CAITLIN Thwaites’ NSW Swifts have shaken off a tenacious Northern Mystics to edge home 59-53 in their trans-Tasman league clash in Auckland.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But the win was hard-earned, with the Mystics producing their best game of the season in pushing the Swifts right until the final whistle.
The return of skipper Kim Green from knee injury for the second half provided a real boost for the visitors, who led 28-27 at halftime.
But with the Mystics battling back in the third quarter, the scores were tied 41-41 with 15 minutes remaining.
Swifts coach Rob Wright's decision to replace Susan Pettit (24 from 29) with Caitlin Thwaites for the final quarter proved key.
Thwaites' provided a real target for her feeders, and her accuracy was impressive as she sunk 13 from 13 to bring home the win.
Meanwhile, Chloe Watson played nine minutes in Melbourne Vixens’ loss to Southern Steel.
