Competition leaders Northern Mystics have beaten Central Pulse 56-51 at Porirua's Te Rauparaha Arena, consigning the defending champions to their third consecutive ANZ Premiership defeat.
The Pulse led into the final quarter against the Mystics, who struggled through the first few quarters, before finally finding their rhythm at the game's most critical juncture.
Maddy Gordon dictated play expertly for the Pulse, who displayed some of their best netball of the season through the first three quarters.
Meanwhile, the Mystics struggled in the absence of Silver Ferns star Sulu Fitzpatrick, with the connection with dynamo shooter Grace Nweke battling for quality ball inside the circle.
The defensive end eventually sparked the Mystics revival, with goal keep Cary Sthythe - who was the best on court - helping ensure the deficit was just two goals at the end of the third quarter.
The visitors claimed the final stanza by eight goals, on their way to securing a five-goal win.
The result sees the Mystics move to the top of the competition ladder, while the Pulse remain in fifth.
The Mystics move on to play Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic on Sunday, while the Pulse will try to get their title defence back on track against the Stars on Saturday.
Mystics 56 (Nweke 45/48, Falkner 11/12) Pulse 51 (Walmsley 27/34, Metuarau 17/18, Mvula 7/7)
