Northern Mystics have put their ANZ Premiership title defence back on track with a dominant 68-44 win over crosstown rivals Northern Stars.
After falling to Southern Steel last week, the Auckland side needed to rebuild some confidence for the rest of their campaign and found just that in their first meeting with their close neighbours.
The Stars held their only lead for just over a minute at the start of the contest, but their rivals assumed control, when shooter Grace Nweke spearheaded a 6-1 burst midway through the opening quarter.
The margin reached double figures early in the second period and hit 20 points late in the third, but which stage the Mystics defenders had Silver Ferns shooter Maia Wilson substituted out of the game, slotting only 3/8 attempts in the third quarter.
The blowout allowed both coaches to run their benches, while Nweke slotted a perfect 17/17 during the final quarter.
"It feels very good, probably more because we were disciplined for the whole game," said Mystics captain Sulu Fitzpatrick. "We came out for a strong start against the Steel last week and just didn't execute our job.
"We were very gutted. It was a long seven days and I did not sleep well for seven days, but also knowing the Stars are a really strong side.
"They have it really tough with their draw moving forward, but I know they will tough throughout the season."
Earlier, Central Pulse grabbed a temporary share of the competition lead with an equally emphatic 58-41 victory over Mainland Tactix, as shooter Aliyah Dunn converted 43/46 attempts and the Pulse won the final quarter 19-8.
Mystics sit atop the table with five wins and two looses, with Pulse (4-3) and Steel (4-2) looming as next strongest playoff contenders.
Northern Mystics 68 (Nweke 59/66, Falkner 5/7, Vui 4/6) Northern Stars 44 (Malesala 24/30, Wilson 13/21, Hume 7/12)
Central Pulse 58 (Dunn 43/46, Metuarau 13/16, Walmsley 2/2) Mainlaind Tactix 41 (Bird 25/29, Selby-Rickit 12/17, Koloto 4/4)
