The Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic pushed the defending champion VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix all the way in Hamilton on Saturday, going down 46-53 in a seven-goal thriller that was arguably the Magic's best performance of 2026.
It was a match rich in milestones, with defender Erena Mikaere playing her 100th ANZ Premiership game, Oceane Maihi reaching her 50th ANZ Premiership appearance, and Ali Wilshier celebrating her 50th National League match. Mikaere marked the occasion in style, claiming a stunning intercept on the opening whistle, and the hustle and heart shown by the home side throughout very nearly got them over the line.
The match was not without its early challenges. A disconnect between the Magic's midcourt and shooting circle showed early, and an injury to shooter Saviour Tui inside the first three minutes forced a reshuffle, with Kate Taylor moving to goal shoot and Sarah Guiney coming from the bench. Five goals down, coach Mary-Jane Araroa called her side together for a reset.
The response was strong. Tui returned to the court midway through the first quarter and her injection back into play helped the Magic find rhythm on attack, turning a seven-goal deficit into a 10-13 trail at the first break.
The second quarter belonged to the Magic. Playing with growing confidence, the home side levelled the scores and began to impose themselves, with Taylor and Tui increasingly difficult to stop. An injury to Tactix captain Erikana Pedersen added further pressure to the visitors, but Tactix goal attack Amorangi Malesala stepped up with two crucial two-point shots to give the Tactix a 26-22 halftime lead.
The Magic came out for the third quarter with intent. An intercept from Georgie Edgecombe tied the scores at 26 apiece within four minutes, and the hosts took the lead as Taylor and Tui began to dominate. The Tactix were rattled, with frustration showing in their defensive combinations. But Malesala again proved decisive, landing two more two-pointers to edge the Tactix ahead 38-37 heading into the final quarter.
With Pedersen off the court and a young Tactix midcourt under pressure, the Magic had every reason to believe. But the Tactix stepped up when it mattered most, winning the last quarter 15-9, led by Malesala who finished with five two-point shots for the match, to run out 53-46 winners and deny the Magic both the win and a bonus point.
The result keeps the Tactix unbeaten at the top of the ANZ Premiership. For the Magic, a performance like this signals what they are capable of, and their first win of the season feels close.
