The Northern Stars broke their four-game losing streak to snatch a 53-52 win over crosstown rivals Northern Mystics in Takanini.
The final regular season home game win also completes a three-match sweep against the Mystics in the Barfoot and Thompson Northern Challenge.
Playing in front of a sold-out home crowd at Pulman Arena, the Stars had to dig deep after the Mystics scored the first three goals of the match on the back of some deft feeding from Elisapeta Toeava into her shooters.
In the Stars shooting circle, the Mystics used the same ‘double marking’ strategy teams have been employing against Maia Wilson lately.
Wilson and Ellen Halpenny soon found their groove thanks to a number of defensive turnovers from Leana De Bruin, Storm Purvis and Kayla Cullen.
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan and Temepara Bailey also found their radars to help bring the Stars back into the match, heading to the first break down 10-11.
De Bruin worked overtime to rattle Grace Nweke as the towering shooter helped her team to four goal lead with five minutes remaining.
Cullen was drawing the attention of the umpires which prompted a switch in the defensive end with Holly Fowler taking over at wing defence as the Mystics held a 23-26 advantage at half time.
A switch between De Bruin and Purvis at the back reinjected intensity into the Stars players as they lifted their drive to the ball and hunger on attack in the second half.
Each side traded defensive turnovers with the Stars drawing level half way through the quarter to eventually take a 1 goal lead with fifteen minutes left in the match.
Maia Wilson and Halpenny grew in confidence down the home stretch as the Mystics threw everything at the home team.
Wilson was awarded the ANZ Premiership MVP whilst her shooting partner Halpenny took home the Stonz Jewellers MVP.
The Stars next travel to Invercargill to take on the Tactix on Super Sunday 5th May.
