The Tactix beat the Northern Mystics 42-39 in an epic battle last night in West Auckland.
The Tactix took to the court beaming with confidence after a stunning 61-60 overtime victory over the Northern Stars on Sunday, where they finally broke an eight-year drought with an opening match win.
Falling behind the Mystics by four points in the first quarter, the Tactix brought out the same fighting spirit they showcased on Sunday to slowly ease back into the match last night.
It wasn't smooth sailing for the Mainlanders with the highly-anticipated return of Silver Ferns sharp long-range shooter, Maria Folau, who kept the Mystics on the Tactix's heels throughout.
Although not being named in the Mystics' starting seven, Folau returned to the court during the second quarter for the first time since the Silver Ferns' disastrous Commonwealth Games campaign in April.
Folau's absence left a gaping hole in the Mystics' shooting circle on Sunday night, where Silver Ferns goal shoot Bailey Mes' struggling form handed the Southern Steel a comfortable 55-47 victory.
Mes, who scored just 14/27 (51.8%) in the Mystics' opening game was back on the court to join Folau in the third quarter, but failed to make much of a significant impact.
Meanwhile, Tactix defending duo Temalisi Fakahokotau and Jane Watson proved a dangerous combination as they snatched seven intercepts from the Mystics' circle.
The Mystics will now have just four days to regather before they face the Northern Stars on Sunday night in an Auckland franchise showdown.
The victors will be awarded the first set of points towards the newly-introduced Northern Challenge.
- Cheree Kinnear
