Otago must beat Auckland in its final round-robin match in Auckland tonight to keep its title prospects alive, and the best way of achieving that is to keep the tournament's No 1 shooter Cathrine Latu quiet.
The former Samoan goal shoot is simply one of the best around when it comes to slotting the ball through the hoop.
But despite Latu finding some of her best form, the defending champion is still in danger of missing out on a place in the top four.
Auckland's form has been up and down.
It beat Southland 53-52 in the opening round and disposed of Western 55-49 but back-to-back losses to Wellington and Canterbury have left it vulnerable.
Otago coach Deb Tasi-Cordtz is hoping her side can exploit any doubt which may be lingering in the Auckland camp.
"They've had some mixed results," she said.
"If we look at their results, then we're right in this game. But we'll need to have a really big defensive game."
The key is to stop the ball before it gets to Latu or find a way to cramp her space in the circle.
"We've been working hard this week with Louise [Thayer] and Jess [Moulds] just to be a bit more physical.
"We just need to stay active and confine her space. We've been working on our agility around her so she is not sure where we are, and we need to put more pressure on the ball up court so that the feeds and passes are under pressure the whole way."
Easier said than done, but Moulds has stood out for Otago with some excellent performances.
She will join Latu at the Northern Mystics next year and will be keen to make a good impression on her future team-mate.
Likewise, Thayer will be looking for a strong performance.
She has had to share the goal keep bib with Moulds this season but is likely to start at goal defence with Moulds at the back.
Hannah Broederlow and Jaimee Power complete a talented back four for Otago.
At the other end, shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit has been in excellent form.
In a flawless display she landed 49 goals from 49 attempts to help Otago beat her old side Western two weeks ago, and was at the top of her game against Southland last week, scoring 37 from 43.
The 1.87m shooter may prove to be Otago's trump card.
Canterbury exposed Auckland's defence in Christchurch last week, running out the winner, 71-53.
Auckland's strength is definitely at the attack end with the likes of Jade Topia and Bailey Mes supporting Latu.
Selby-Rickit is well-placed to exploit any weakness at the back but Otago does not have the same depth in attack as it enjoys in defence.
Southland was able to close down goal attack Greir Campbell.
She managed just seven attempts and will be looking to make more impact tonight.
Back-up shooter Kirsten Craig has seen precious little court time and the midcourt has not been as sharp as expected.
Wing defence Claire Kersten has been the notable exception.
She has been outstanding, particularly on defence.
Otago has won just one of its four games but has secured two vital bonus points to remain in the hunt.
A win tonight will secure a top-four spot but there is a slim chance it could still squeak through if it picks up a bonus point and Western upsets Southland and denies it a bonus point.
Canterbury and Wellington have already booked semifinal berths and will play off for pole position this evening.
Should Otago fail to make the top four it will face the unpleasant prospect of a relegation match.
