Pulse join Mystics at the top of the ANZ Premiership

Kelly Jury
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The defending champion Pulse have cemented their place in the top two of the ANZ Premiership following a 54-45 win over the Tactix in Christchurch.

It was the second victory for the Pulse in Round 9, and they delivered the Tactix their second loss in as many days.

The Mystics top the table with 27 points, the Pulse are also on 27, although they’ve played one more game.

The Stars have 23, Tactix 21, Magic 15 an Steel 3.

It wasn’t until the last stages of the fourth quarter that the Pulse finally took control of a physical hard-fought match. Up until then, the Pulse would string together impressive scoring streaks, while the Tactix repeatedly chipped away to stay in touch.

Despite the loss, it was a much-improved performance from the Tactix after their 24-goal loss to league leaders the Mystics on Sunday. Perhaps none more so than Te Paea Selby-Rickit, who scored 100 percent of her 27 attempts.

Now in fourth spot, the Tactix were missing key defender Jane Watson, still nursing 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-time 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, down 26-24, and they managed to continue the 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

Shooting Stats – Tactix:

Aliyah Dunn 18/20 (90%)

Te Paea Selby-Rickit 27/27 (100%)

Vika Koloto 0/3 (%)

Shooting Stats – Pulse:

Amelia Walmsley 45/54 (83%)

Tiana Metuarau 9/11 (82%)

MVP: Whitney Souness (Pulse)