The Northern Stars will host the ANZ Premiership elimination final after a clinical 68-49 win over the Southern Steel in Auckland on Thursday.
The Stars extended their advantage at each of the breaks in a confidence-boosting preparation ahead of meeting either the Northern Mystics or Central Pulse next week for a place in the final.
Needing extra time to complete a two-goal win over the Steel just five days ago, the Stars were a class above their opponents on this occasion. All areas of their court played a part for a rampant Stars in crafting a season-defining performance.
It was a tough day at the office for the Steel who never got going, lacking their usual drive and resilience in failing to make an impression against an ever-improving Stars outfit.
The rescheduled Round 4 match was the last of the regular season for the Stars, who were back on court after playing just 24 hours earlier.
Missing their last outing with an ankle injury, goal defence Elle Temu returned to the Stars starting seven in an otherwise unchanged line-up. Temu was a force all match and picked up four gains and four intercepts in amongst a solid performance.
Stars captain, Maia Wilson, retained her stellar form with a dominant showing, her movement and accuracy being key features.
Wilson produced her best performance of the season and was named player of the match after netting 51 of her 55 shots at goal.
Stars 68 (Maia Wilson 51/55, Jamie Hume 15/17, Amorangi Malesala 2/4)
Steel 49 (George Fisher 33/35, Georgia Heffernan 7/9, Saviour Tui 9/13)
