Mainland Tactix have failed to stay top of the ladder in the ANZ Premiership, going down 57-48 to Northern Stars.
The Stars and fellow Auckland side Northern Mystics share the No.1 spot with Sunday's winners proving they feel more confident in their side than ever before.
The game started goal for goal as both sides fought for an early lead, but it was the Stars who made the move.
The hosts led by four at the end of the first quarter, and pushed their lead out to nine by halftime.
The Tactix tried to claw their way back in the third quarter, with Jane Watson and Karin Burger getting as much ball as possible, but were guilty of too many mistakes.
In the final quarter fatigue set in for the majority of players but not the Stars' defensive end.
The Stars sealed a nine-goal win, and know they're building every week.
"I think for us we are finally starting to gel," said shooter Maia Wilson. "We're touching places that we've never touched before as a franchise."
Northern Stars 57 (Wilson 36, Malesala 21) Mainland Tactix 48 (Dunn 32, Selby-Rickit 16)
It was a lot closer in Wellington earlier where Waikato Bay of plenty Magic defeated Central Pulse 48-47.
The long limbs of Kelly Jury did their best to disrupt the visitors. But with the ball in hand and a minute to go, the Pulse failed to tie up the match and handed the Magic fourth spot on the ladder while dropping to fifth .
The round still has one match to go with the Pulse and Mystics going head to head, meaning everything could change yet again.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic 48 (Mes 30, Ekenasio 18) Central Pulse 47 (Walmsley 31, Metuarau 13, Mvula 3)
