The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic have piled more misery on the winless Southern Steel, claiming their second straight win of the ANZ Premiership season.
Superior shooting guided the Magic to a hard-fought 54-49 victory at Invercargill, leaving the Steel still searching for their first win.
After four consecutive losses on the road, the Steel returned home rejuvenated and determined to overcome their shaky start and growing injury toll.
And for much of the contest, they did just that, as both teams traded blows, before falling to bonus point defeat.
A late second-half push gave the Magic a four-goal lead at halftime, and looked poised to pull away for a comfortable result.
But the Steel fought back, reducing the deficit to just two goals heading into the final period in a high-scoring affair.
However, the Magic showed their composure to extend their lead and never let the Steel get back within range.
Magic 54 (Mes 30/32, Ekenasio 24/26) Steel 49 (Tui 28/31, Heffernan 10/16, Autagavaia 11/13)
