The Northern Mystics' hopes of qualifying for the ANZ Premiership final took a huge hit after their shock 51-47 loss to the Southern Steel on Friday night.
Victory at Stadium Southland would have lifted the Mystics two points ahead of the Mainland Tactix into second, instead they trail by two points ahead of their grudge match in Auckland on Sunday.
The winner of that match will be in the box seat to qualify for the August 23 grand final alongside the league-leading Central Pulse, who need one point in their remaining four games to secure a spot in the decider.
Both the Mystics and Tactix have three games remaining, although the former have an easier run home with games against the Northern Stars and Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic, while Mainland has to face the Pulse and Steel.
The Mystics got off to a tough start against the Steel and found themselves trailing 17-8 at the end of the first quarter, with Trinidad and Tobago international Kalifa McColli converting all 11 of her shots for the hosts.
The Mystics rallied back in the second quarter to close the gap to six goals, but the Steel were still too strong and held a 29-22 lead at the main break.
The addition of goal attack Saviour Tui helped add some spark to the Mystics' attack, as they got to within five, but buoyed by a boisterous home crowd, the Steel raced out to a 43-34 lead heading with one quarter remaining.
McCollin finished as the Steel's top goal-scorer, converting 32 of her 36 shots with teammate Ellen Halpenny going 19 of 23.
Mystics teenager Grace Nweke finished with game-high 41 goals.
The Steel are back in action on Saturday against the Pulse, with the Mystics hosting the Tactix on Sunday.
The Mystics and Taxtix have a 1-1 record against each other this season. On July 3, the Mystics claimed a 47-42 win, while a week later the Tactix returned serve with a 41-40 triumph.
Southern Steel 51 (Ellen Halpenny 19/23, Kalifa McCollin 32/36) Northern Mystics 47 (Grace Nweke 41/44, Filda Vui 2/3, Saviour Tui 4/4).
