Southern Steel have continued to boost their ANZ Premiership aspirations, with a 64-59 victory over defending champions and early pacesetters Northern Mystics at Invercargill.
Leading throughout most of the first two quarters, the Mystics seemed on course for their third win over their southern rivals this season, building an early seven-goal advantage.
But a five-goal burst before halftime brought the Steel back into contention and another five unanswered goals thrust them into control during the third quarter.
The Auckland side levelled the score during the final period, but could not regain the lead, as the Steel drew away over the closing moments.
England shooter George Fisher had the better of Silver Ferns rival Grace Nweke, converting 41/45 (91 percent) for the Steel, compared to Nweke's 50/59 (85 percent).
But the latter shouldered the Mystics' shooting responsibilities and struggled early, missing four shots in the opening quarter alone.
Ironically, former Mystics attacker Saviour Tui came off the bench to help turn the contest around, slotting 12/13 attempts, after entering in the second period.
While the Steel welcomed defender Te Huinga Selby-Rickit and coach Reinga Bloxham from COVID-19 absence, the Mystics lost shooter Monica Falkner and coach Helen Wilson for the road trip.
Fresh off the back of last week's overtime win over Central Pulse, the Steel now share a four-win, two-loss record with the Mystics, with the northerns still ahead on the table through bonus points.
The result also marked the 150th appearance of captain Shannon Saunders for the Steel.
The Steel face Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic next Saturday, while the Mystics take on crosstown rivals Nothern Stars on Sunday.
Southern Steel 64 (Fisher 41/45, G Heffernan 11/19, Tui 12/13) Northern Mystics 59 (Nweke 50/59, Vui 9/13)
