Full coverage in tomorrow's ODT.
Waikato led 30-29 at half-time but Otago outscored its opponent 16-11 to seize the momentum and led by as many as seven goals midway through the final period.
When the final whistle blew, the score was 59-57 in the Southern team's favour.
Waikato cut through a nine-goal deficit to draw with Otago in Dunedin in game one and looked to be mounting a similar comeback yesterday.
"I felt we were in control even when the clock appeared to slow down at the end," Otago coach Deb Tasi-Cordtz said.
"The girls just had so much composure."
In the play-off for third, Auckland Waitakere upset the defending champions Canterbury 53-51.
