Pulse 52
Tactix 44
In a battle of the undefeated sides, the Central Pulse stunned the Mainland Tactix in a deserved 52-44 victory.
Both teams came off two decisive opening wins from round one of the ANZ Premiership, but it was the top of the table Pulse who were able to secure their third consecutive win of the season.
The pre-season favourites were once again beaming with confidence while Pulse shooters Aliyah Dunn and Tiana Metuarau produced another stunning display.
Dunn and Metuarau were at the heart of the Pulse's striking victory over defending champion the Southern Steel last Monday night.
And despite being up against fierce Silver Ferns defender Temalisi Fakahokotau, the up-and-coming super shooting duo produced another healthy 88 per cent score rate.
The Pulse took a promising four-point lead in the first quarter, which only extended after an early exit from Tactix captain Jess Maclennan.
The tenacious Tactix defender took a nasty fall during the second quarter to which the Pulse capitalised upon to close halftime with a hefty 13 point lead.
The second half of the match saw Pulse captain Katrina Grant anchor her side with clever intercepts to secure another six general play turnovers.
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With an extended 14 point lead, the Pulse took comfortably to the court in the final quarter to decisively secure their win.
The Southern Steel will face the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic on Wednesday night at Dunedin's More FM Arena to conclude the second round of the ANZ Premiership.
Meanwhile, the Northern Stars have reportedly challenged the controversial suspension of Fa'amu Ioane, who sent off during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Mystics.
Ioane was pointed off the court for "persistent infringing," leaving the Stars with only six players to finish the match.
As expected, the Mystics extended their advantage, to snatch the first set of points toward the Barfoot and Thompson Northern Challenge Trophy.
Silver Ferns goal shoot Grace Nweke speaks about the Constellation Cup series and the rivalry against the Diamonds in the final match. Video / Alyse Wright