Kimiora Poi of the Tactix (L) challenges Maddy Gordon of the Pulse for possession. Photo: Photosport
The Tactix kept their hopes of reaching the ANZ Premiership finals alive with a 54-45 upset of the competition-leading Pulse in Wellington.
Not even a fourth quarter suspension to wing defence Paris Lokotui for two minutes or the limited court time for defender Jane Watson could derail the visitors, who stopped the Pulse's winning streak at eight matches.
The scoreline was a direct reversal of the 54-45 result when the Pulse toppled the Tactix in Christchurch in round nine and sets up a fascinating final weekend of the regular season.
The Pulse remain top of the table with the Mystics sitting three points behind them in second spot with two matches still to play this round - against the Stars on Sunday and the Tactix on Monday.
If they win them both, the Mystics will take top seeding into the finals, with the Pulse forced to play an elimination final against the Stars or Tactix.
If the Mystics beat the Stars, it will open the door for the Tactix to snare the third and final berth in the finals if they can topple the Mystics in the last game of the regular season.
They Christchurch-based side produced one of their best performances of the season to notch a ninth win from 14 games, boosted by strong performances in the second and fourth quarters, both of which were won 14-9.
Goal shoot Aliyah Dunn impressed against her long-time former Pulse team-mates, sinking 37 of 40 shots for the visitors, linking particularly well with in-form centre Kimiora Poi.
At the other end of the court, Karin Burger was strong on defence, playing a big part in reducing Pulse goal attack Tiana Metuarau to just five shots across the game, including one shot in the entire first half.
The Tactix defensive circle was boosted in the final quarter by the appearance of Silver Ferns goal keep Watson, who is on a managed workload on return from injury.
- RNZ