The Mainland Tactix have kept their ANZ Premiership final hopes alive after beating the Northern Stars 52-42 in front of a record crowd in Christchurch on Thursday.
More than 5000 fans crammed into Horncastle Area for the Tactix's only 'home' game this season, with the majority of the season being played in Auckland due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The win sees the Tactix take a three point lead over the Northern Mystics, who have a game in hand, with both sides jostling for second place to set up a final against the unbeaten Central Pulse in Invercargill on August 23.
The Tactix held a 28-20 lead at halftime, and it didn't take long for the Stars to battle back as they closed the deficit to three during the third quarter.
But backed by the crowd, the Tactix pulled away with defender Jane Watson and midcourter Erikana Pedersen, the game's MVP, leading the way for the hosts.
Shooter Elle Bird was once again impressive for the Tactix, converting 27 of her 42 attempts, while teammate Te Paea Selby Rickit went 15 from 19.
Silver Fern Maia Wilson carried the Stars with 35 goals, with Jamie Hume landing converting sevens from 10.
The Stars are back in action on Saturday night when they face the Southern Steel, while the Tactix face the struggling Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in Hamilton on Sunday, with the Mystics also in action on the same day against the Pulse.
