The Stars have repelled a late charge by Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic to record a 58-54 win in their ANZ Premiership clash at Auckland on Wednesday.
The win draws the Stars level with Central Pulse and Northern Mystics atop the competition ladder, although at one stage, it seemed they may secure the large margin of victory they needed to claim top spot to secure a home Grand Final.
Nevertheless, they'll still have the opportunity to clinch home court for next week's elimination final with a win over Southern Steel in a quick turnaround on Thursday.
The hosts were dominant through the opening half, racing to a 13-goal advantage on the back of some hot-shooting from Maia Wilson, as turnovers - many of those forced by a staunch Stars defence led by the outstanding Anna Harrison - consistently hurt the Magic.
After trailing by nine goals at halftime, the Magic entered the third quarter with a more polished display at both ends of the court, with Bailey Mes and Ameliaranne Ekenasio leading the charge.
The Stars clamped down in the fourth quarter and moved into damage control to close out victory.
Stars 58 (Maia Wilson 42/47, Jamie Hume 3/10, Amorangi Malesala 13/18) Magic 54 (Bailey Mes 20/24, Ameliarannne Ekenasio 34/41) 1Q: 17-12; HT: 33-24; 3Q: 48-40
