The Northern Mystics produced a strong second-quarter burst to beat the Northern Stars 57-51 in Auckland on Saturday and reclaim the Northern Challenge trophy.

After a tight opening spell, the Stars took control early with a 16-11 lead at the first break.

But the game turned in the second quarter as the Mystics came out with intensity, outscoring their rivals 20-8 to swing momentum their way.

Midcourter Peta Toeava led the tempo shift, linking smoothly through court while the defensive pairing of Charlotte Manley and Phoenix Karaka helped shut down the Stars’ late push.

The visitors threatened a comeback in the final minutes but Karaka’s key interventions sealed the win and denied them a losing bonus point.

Despite a strong fightback in the third quarter from the Stars, the Mystics held firm to stay in control and close out a hard-earned home victory.

Aliyah Dunn (with ball) helps the Southern Steel to a fifth straight win, downing the Central Pulse 52-43 in Wellington as the visitors strengthen their finals push. Photo/ANZ Premiership/Michael Bradley

Steel eye Finals Series with fifth straight win

In Wellington, the Southern Steel made it five straight wins with a composed 52-43 victory over Central Pulse at a packed TSB Arena.

The Steel set the tone early through the accuracy of shooter Aliyah Dunn, who was flawless under the post, finishing with a perfect shooting display.

Captain Kimiora Poi also played a major role, controlling the midcourt with high-volume feeds and defensive pressure.

The Pulse stayed in touch through the first half, trailing just 26-22 at the main break, but the Steel lifted again after halftime.

A decisive third-quarter push, led by strong rebounding from Carys Stythe, helped the visitors stretch their lead and take control late.

Despite pressure from the home side, the Steel’s consistency proved the difference as they closed out another key win to stay firmly in finals contention.

The Mainland Tactix (red) prove too strong for the Magic, powering to a 58-37 victory in Christchurch to extend their unbeaten home run and stay top of the table. Photo/ANZ Premiership/Michael Bradley

Relentless Tactix storm to big win over Magic

In Christchurch, the Mainland Tactix delivered the most dominant performance of the round, beating the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic 58-37 at the new Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre.

The Tactix controlled the game from the outset, building steadily across all four quarters and never allowing the Magic to settle.

Their defence suffocated the visitors while their attack end made full use of turnover ball to stretch the margin.

The Magic showed brief resistance through Georgie Edgecombe, who picked up a game-high six intercepts but struggled to turn defensive pressure into scoreboard impact.

The result extends the Tactix’s home winning streak to 10 matches and keeps them top of the table, underlining their status as early title favourites.

Across the round, the Mystics showed resilience, the Steel continued their winning rhythm, and the Tactix reinforced their dominance with the ANZ Premiership ladder starting to take clear shape heading into the next stage of the season.

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