Central Pulse have stamped their class with a 56-46 win over Northern Stars in their ANZ Premiership clash at Bruce Pulman Arena on Wednesday.
The result moved the Pulse level on points with the defending champion and competition-leading Mystics and made another strong statement of their title pedigree.
The loss is the second in four days for the Stars, who were well beaten by the Mystics on Sunday.
Beset by turnovers and errors, the Stars were forced to chase the Pulse throughout the contest, whose defence was brilliantly anchored by Silver Ferns goal keep Kelly Jury.
The Pulse offence also hummed, spearheaded by Aliyah Dunn - who nailed 95 percent of her attempts on goal - and Tiana Metuarau.
The Stars will have to avenge the defeat at Palmerston North on Sunday.
