Northern Stars have returned to the ANZ Premiership in style, cruising to a comfortable 63-51 victory over Mainland Tactix at Christchurch.
Back on court for the first time in three weeks, after the ANZ Premiership was hit by COVID-19, the Stars led from start to finish, with Silver Ferns shooter Maia Wilson taking control of the match.
Wilson scored 37 goals from 44 attempts, and was supported by the trio of Jamie Hume (12 from 18), Amorangi Malesala (12 from 19) and Eseta Autagavaia (two from two).
Fellow Silver Fern Gina Crampton was also in fine form for her side, with 26 assists to her shooters.
For the Tactix, Ellie Bird impressed with 33 from 35, while Te Paea Selby-Rickit also added 18 from 23 attempts to see the Tactix shoot a superior 84 percent, compared to the Stars' 76 percent.
Ultimately, the Stars firepower proved too great for the Tactix to keep up with.
The win was their second of the season, moving them into fourth on the ANZ Premiership ladder, but due to COVID-19 disruption, the Stars have played just three games, while the three teams above them on the ladder - Northern Mystics, Southern Steel and Central Pulse - have all played five.
The Tactix are bottom of the table after their first four matches, with just one win and behind Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic on points differential.
