The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel delivered on all fronts to inflict an upset 47-43 win over the MG Mystics in Dunedin on Sunday while posting their second win of the season.
With both teams desperate to get on top, the physicality also lifted and a warning to Fifita forced a change to the Steel defensive line as the Pulse went on a five-goal run to extend their lead to 42-35 heading into the last turn.
Defending champions the MG Mystics held their nerve to triumph, 61-52, over a hugely improved Ascot Park Hotel Steel in the cauldron of ILT Stadium Southland.