the Magic produced a 60-minute performance, leading through all four quarters. Photo: Photosport
The Central Pulse have suffered their first loss of the ANZ Premiership season, going down 58-41 to the Bay of Plenty Magic in their round seven clash in Tauranga.
Delivering the third win of their campaign helped the Magic close the gap on the front-runners in a season-defining match while rising to the occasion after showing threatening form in previous weeks.
For the first time, the Magic produced a 60-minute performance, leading through all four quarters while leaving a disjointed Pulse unable to respond.
Unbeaten through the first six rounds, but missing several frontline players, the Pulse's injury woes were all too evident against a rampant Magic, who dominated across all thirds of the court.
The Magic welcomed captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio back to the playing line-up after missing last week with illness, and her influence was all-too evident.
There were further reshuffles for an injury depleted Pulse with Fa'amu Ioane moving into centre and Australian import Kelea Iongi getting her first start for the season, at wing defence. Impressive in her debut last week, shooter Martina Salmon retained her place under the hoop at goal shoot.
Recovering from an early three-goal deficit, Magic were all business in making the most of a Pulse team struggling to find their rhythm, the home side breaking free with an impressive opening.
Staring down a seven-goal deficit, the Pulse pulled a couple back before the Magic headed into the first break with a 16-11 lead.
Pulse shooters Martina Salmon and Kiana Pelasio had more success in finding their groove under the hoop while Whitney Souness was a bundle of energy on attack.
But with their noses in front, the Magic showed their growing impetus with their on-song shooting and the defensive end chiming in to keep the previously undefeated Pulse searching for answers.
Denying the Pulse any traction, it was the Magic who stretched their advantage marginally to a 30-24 lead at the main break.
The Magic continued to force the issue with a dominant showing through the third stanza, the Pulse forced into multiple turnovers in the face of a relentless onslaught.
Eight unanswered goals put the Magic in the box seat as they put the polish on a decisive third quarter where they restricted the Pulse to just five goals.
Shuffling their shooting personnel did little to improve the Pulse's fortunes when they were left staring down a 42-29 deficit and a mountain to climb at three-quarter time.
Tightening the screws in the run home, the Magic had the luxury of getting all 10 of their players on court while heralding a huge confidence-boosting win.
Shooting Stats
Magic:
Saviour Tui 33/36 (92 percent)
Ameliaranne Ekenasio 24/29 (83 percent)
Ivana Rowland 1/2 (50 percent)
Pulse:
Martina Salmon 35/41 (85 percent)
Kiana Pelasio 4/9 (44 percent)
Khiarna Williams 2/3 (67 percent)