Northern Mystics seize top spot as Magic break their drought and Pulse shake up finals race

The ANZ Premiership playoff picture was turned on its head over the weekend.

The Northern Mystics moved into first place, the Magic claimed an emotional first win of the season and the Pulse delivered a major upset that could have finals implications.

The biggest winners were the Northern Mystics, who battled past the Southern Steel 61-53 after extra time in Invercargill on Sunday.

Locked at 52-52 after regulation, the Mystics drew on their experience when it mattered most.

They outscored the Steel 9-1 in the additional period to leapfrog their rivals and claim outright top spot on the ladder.

Pacific stars were influential throughout with captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson leading a reshuffled defensive unit while Peta Toeava controlled the attack and Filda Vui delivered a crucial two-point shot late in regulation to keep the Mystics in front.

The result was a tough blow for the Steel, who were without injured captain Kimiora Poi but remained in the contest through the efforts of shooter Aliyah Dunn and defender Carys Stythe before fading in extra time.

On Saturday, the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic finally broke through for their first win of the season in dramatic fashion.

After seven rounds without a victory, the Magic edged the Stars 51-50 in Hamilton thanks to a buzzer-beating goal from shooter Saviour Tui.

Magic players celebrate a win: On Saturday, the Waikato/Bay of Plenty side upset the Stars to clinch their first win of the season. Photo/Photosport/DJ Mills/file

The match went down to the final second after the Stars fought back from a five-goal halftime deficit to level the scores heading into the last quarter.

But the Magic held their nerve. Pacific players Erena Mikaere and Oceane Maihi helped produce key defensive moments before Tui calmly sank the winner to spark celebrations among the home fans.

The loss leaves the Stars needing other results to fall their way if they are to keep their finals hopes alive.

The weekend's other major result came in Palmerston North where the Pulse embraced the role of spoiler with a 49-45 upset win over the Tactix.

Already out of finals contention, the Pulse produced one of their strongest performances of the season to snap a six-match losing streak and hand a setback to the competition leaders.

The hosts set the tone early through relentless defence with Holly Comyns and Ainsleyana Puleiata causing constant problems for the Tactix attack.

Pulse co-captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio drives forward against the Tactix: The Wellington side stunned the competition leaders from Christchurch 49-45 in Palmerston North. Photo/Photosport/Clare Toia-Bailey/file

On offence, captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Khiarna Williams and Ine-Mari Venter combined well as the Pulse led from the opening quarter and never surrendered control.

While the Tactix salvaged a bonus point through a late super shot from Amorangi Malesala, the defeat dents their hopes of securing hosting rights for the Grand Final and tightens an already congested race at the top of the table.

With two rounds remaining before the finals, the battle for positions is shaping as one of the closest finishes in recent ANZ Premiership history.

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