Shooter Grace Nweke has powered Northern Mystics to a second ANZ Premiership title in three years, as they overwhelmed crosstown rivals Northern Stars 74-56 in the final at Hamilton.
In a highscoring affair that produced more goals than any previous championship game, the Silver Ferns star scored a staggering 70 goals, bringing up the milestone in the final seconds, as Mystics fans began to celebrate.
The outcome consigns the Stars to their third defeat in as many finals over the past five years, as they still search for their title, but provides the ideal farewell to Mystics captain Sulu Fitzpatrick, who will not return to the national competition next season.
"They piss me off a lot," she admitted through tears. "We argue a lot... our team is full of emotion, but we also love a lot.
"We're able to be fully ourselves and embrace each other - good, bad and ugly. I love these girls and I know they're going to be better without me next year.
"I'm so glad to go out on a high."
After finishing atop the competition table and earning passage directly to the final, the Mystics were never headed in the season climax, leading 38-29 at halftime and still building their advantage at the finish.
The combination between Nweke and wing attack Peta Toeava had been key to their success this season, but centre Tayla Earle proved just as effective feeding into the attack circle, as the Mystics provided their shooting ace with a healthy supply of ball.
While Stars counterpart Maia Wilson shared scoring duties with goal attack Amorangi Malesala, Nweke stood as the predominant target at the other end of the court, converting 96 percent of her attempts.
Once again, the Mystics defence of Fitzpatrick, Phoenix Karaka and Carys Stythe stifled their rivals' attack - the Stars midcourt laid on 109 circle feeds, but barely half resulted in goals.
As the Mystics lead grew, Stars coach Kiri Wills rung the changes, trying to find a combination that would bring them back into the contest - to no avail.
"That's a blimmin hiding, but they thoroughly deserve that win," said Wilson. "They were tenacious, and you can see the emotion and what it means for them, particularly for Sulu."
The final also provided a last chance for players to impress Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua, before she names her World Cup on Wednesday
Northern Mystics 74 (Nweke 70/73, Vui 3/5, Binks 1/1) Northern Stars 56 (Wilson 38/42, Malesala 17/21, Hume 1/3)
