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Steel 64 Magic 60
The Southern Steel have kept their winning record over the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic intact.
Previously winning all three ANZ Premiership meetings between the sides, the Steel claimed a narrow 64-60 victory over the Magic tonight at Dunedin's More FM Arena.
Both teams came off a rocky start to the season, with the Steel's 17 match unbeaten streak undone in last Monday's disappointing 62-51 loss to the Central Pulse in Palmerston North.
However, the Steel - who moved to second on the ladder with the win - returned to the court rested and energised, taking control early on in the match.
Steel shooting duo Jennifer O'Connell and Te Paea Selby-Rickit's consistent shooting percentage in the first quarter gave the Southerners an encouraging four-point lead, and after tall Magic defender Kelly Jury made an early exit with a dislocated shoulder, things looked promising for the Steel.
Magic goal keep Kelly Jury suffered an injury against the Steel. Photo / Photosport
But the Magic refused to make it an easy battle for the Southerners, with South African import Lenize Potgieter's 2018 debut injecting a much-needed boost of confidence to the Waikato side's shooting circle.
Potgieter, who was ruled out of the first round due to an injury, made an immediate difference to the scoreboard, leading the Magic to tie the third quarter at 46 apiece.
The Magic remained dangerously close to the defending champions in the final quarter, with the Steel often holding no more than a narrow one-point lead. But the Steel proved to have just a little bit more fight in them to finish on top and claim their second win of the season.
The Magic will have just four days to rest before they face the top of the table Central Pulse on Sunday in Hamilton.
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
