Temepara George's Northern Mystics kept the Central Pulse winless in the ANZ Championship with only a second victory of their own in the competition last night.
With a 16-7 domination of the final quarter after regular shooter Catherine Latu was injected into the side, the Mystics regained the lead and then closed out the game 54-48.
Latu added the much-needed height in the circle which made an easier target for feeders such midcourter and captain George.
Young shooter Paula Griffin was one of the best for the winners and worked well in tandem with Jade Topia and then Latu.
The Yvonne Willering-coached Mystics got off to an ideal start, leading 6-1 before the Pulse managed to get into the game.
They responded to a 9-13 first quarter deficit by winning the next two quarters, 16-15 and 16-10, to lead 41-38.
However, the tide changed when Fijian shooter Susan Tagicakibau allowed her opponents some breathing space when she failed to convert a fourth turnover by the Pulse in the last quarter. The Mystics started to claw their way back.
Willering brought on her international shooter, Latu, who utilised her height to full advantage to regain the lead for her team - 47-45 - with six minutes left on the clock.
With their tails up, Vilimaina Davu, Leana de Bruin, Sheryl Scanlan and George used strong passes through the middle to find their shooters.
With their seventh loss from as many matches, the Pulse remain buried at the bottom of the competition.
Northern Mystics 54 (Paula Griffin 28 from 34, Jade Topia 16/18, Catherine Latu 10/10), Central Pulse 48 (Susan Tagicakibau 29/34, Jamilah Gupwell 19/24). Halftime: 28-25.
