The defending champion Pulse have moved within reach of the top of the ANZ Premiership standings with a 54-45 win over the Tactix in Christchurch.
The victory means the Pulse draw level with the league-leading Mystics on 27 points, trailing only by goal difference, while the Tactix remain in fourth.
The Pulse left it until the final stages of the fourth quarter to take control of a physical match, as the Tactix repeatedly responded to their opponents' scoring runs to keep the contest alive.
Despite the loss, it was a much-improved performance from the Tactix after their 24-goal loss to league leaders the Mystics, who were missing key defender Jane Watson due to a leg injury.
Errant passing by the Pulse allowed the Tactix to take the lead a minute before the first quarter ended, going into the break 15-14 up.
But it was the Pulse who dominated the next 15 minutes - starting with a well-timed intercept from wing defence Fa'amu Ioane.
The sharp circle defence of Kelly Jury and Kristiana Manu'a reduced the Tactix' shots on goal - even though the home side were shooting at 96 percent accuracy - and a run of five put the Pulse in control.
A late run by the Tactix brought them back within two at halftime and they managed to continue that momentum when they returned from the locker-room to take a one-goal lead early in the third spell.
Manu'a walked gingerly off the court after being caught in a collision with Paris Lokotui, introducing Parris Mason to the Pulse circle, and she quickly made her presence felt with superb ball-handling skills.
With Tiana Metuarau, Maddy Gordon and Whitney Souness driving confidently through court, and looking long to Amelia Walmsley, the Pulse went on a six-goal spree, keeping the Tactix scoreless for over four minutes.
But the pendulum swung back again - Kate Lloyd and Karin Burger pulling off a perfectly-timed Harrison hoist to put off a Pulse shot and Laura Malcolm long bombs into Te Paea Selby-Rickit (who'd moved to goal shoot with Vika Koloto at goal attack) had the Tactix back in the game again.
The Pulse led 38-37 at three quarter time.
Gordon fell heavily on her back, and hit her head, so had to leave the court at the start of the last stanza, but she was soon cleared to return to dictate the Pulse attack.
With both teams desperate for the win, and with still nothing in it, the play was fast and furious and plenty of bodies hit the deck. But in the final stages, the Pulse took their biggest lead of the game.
The Pulse move on to face the Magic on Sunday, when the Tactix face the Stars.
Central Pulse 54 (Walmsley 45/54, Metuarau 9/11) Mainland Tactix 45 (Dunn 18/20, Te Paea Selby-Rickit 27/27)
