THE NSW Swifts will have to win its semi-final clash with the Waikato Magic to keep its dream of winning the ANZ Championship alive.
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Before the final round of the competition, the Swifts were sitting in second spot and a double-chance beckoned, but it wasn't to be.
The Swifts lost its last game against the Northern Mystics and slumped to third position, meaning it would be forced to play in the sudden-death play-off against New Zealand powerhouse the Magic.
Despite Bendigo shooter, scoring 34 goals for the match, the Swifts lost by three goals.
The final score 56 to 53.
Thwaites was up against fellow Australian Diamond Julie Corletto in her attacking ring.
Thwaites shot at 85 per cent for the match, while Mystics shooter Cathrine Latu scored 32 goals from 33 attempts.
It was one of the Mystics best performances of the year.
Corletto finished with two intercepts and two rebounds for the round 14 game.
Meanwhile the Adelaide Thunderbirds ended its season on a high, defeating the Mainland Tactix by 17 goals.
Despite the strong win it was the Thunderbirds' worst season finish in the ANZ Championships.
Bendigo defender Rebecca Bulley was in great form, grabbing six intercepts for the match, the most of anyone else on the court.
She also had two defensive rebounds in the 66 to 49 win.
The Melbourne Vixens also suffered a loss in its last game of the regular season.
Despite a 19-goal last quarter from the Vixens, it wasn't enough to score the win.
Melbourne were crowned the minor premiers and will play against the Queensland Firebirds in the major semi-final on Monday night.
The minor semi-final between the Swifts and the Magic will be played on Sunday at Allphones Arena in Sydney.
The game begins at 2.15pm and will be broadcast live on Fox Sports.