Aliyah Dunn showcased her skills as she dominated under the post, leading the Southern Steel to a resounding 69-41 victory over the Magic in Hamilton. Dunn’s impressive shooting, with 52 out of 54 attempts finding the net, including a two-pointer, proved to be a key factor in the Steel’s success.
Despite missing key players like Kate Heffernan, Abby Lawson, and Dakota Thomas due to injuries, the Steel put on a dominant performance, recording their biggest win against the Magic since 2022.
Defender Carys Stythe was exceptional, making 13 gains and seven rebounds, while the Magic struggled with turnovers, committing 27 errors throughout the game.
The connection between Khayne’-Lii Munro-Nonoa and Stythe in the circle was seamless, despite the limited time they had spent together on the court. Munro-Nonoa made a notable intercept against Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio.
The Steel’s strong defensive setup allowed them to capitalize on turnovers and quickly transition into attack, with Dunn shining under the post and maintaining a strong presence throughout the game.
Kimiora Poi’s exceptional performance in the midcourt kept the Steel’s attack flowing, while Serina Daunakamakama provided valuable support. Georgia Heffernan’s drive into the circle added to the Steel’s offensive threat, further extending their lead.
The Magic struggled to find their rhythm, facing intense pressure from the Steel’s defense, which disrupted their flow and forced errors. Despite a late surge with two-pointers, the Magic could not close the gap significantly.
The Steel continued to dominate in the second half, forcing the Magic into more mistakes and extending their lead even further. Renee Savai’inaea’s solid defensive display and Tui’s buzzer-beating two-pointer highlighted the Steel’s all-round performance.
With a convincing win under their belt, the Steel will now prepare to face the Northern Mystics in Dunedin on Monday, looking to maintain their winning momentum.
