An injury to captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio has soured the Central Pulse's seventh straight win of their 2020 campaign.
The defending champions were too good for the second-placed Northern Mystics running out to a 44-38 ANZ Premiership win.
But their dominant win at a price when their skipper limped off midway through the second quarter with a presumed knee injury.
The Mystics fought back from a 14-goal deficit at halftime as the Pulse wobbled to the finish, but shooter Aliyah Dunn stayed calm, in the absence of her captain, shooting 24 from 29, including several crucial goals in the final frame.
Mystics young star in the making Grace Nweke was again a standout for her side, landing 37 of her 39 attempts as her push for higher honours continues.
The loss leaves the Mystics seven points adrift of the Pulse, who have all but sealed a home final.