Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic pushed hard on home court before a decisive four-minute blitz in the second quarter proved the difference, with the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel running out 61-48 winners at Mercury Baypark Arena in Tauranga.
Still searching for their first points of the season, Magic started with real purpose and made the Steel work hard for it in the opening quarter, a promising platform that made the momentum shift all the more frustrating when it came.
Playing with a freedom of nothing to lose, Magic came out with intent. Georgie Edgecombe earned the starting centre bib and set up a compelling match-up with Steel's Kimiora Poi that delivered on its promise from the first whistle.
Sarah Guiney stepped confidently into the goal attack role in the continued absence of the injured Saviour Tui, working hard off the line and combining well with shooter Kate Taylor. The home crowd had plenty to cheer - the scores locked after five minutes, and nothing could separate the two teams at the first break, 14-14.
Converting turnovers has been a challenge for Magic this season and it was a familiar pattern early - defenders picking up ball but unable to take full advantage on the scoreboard. But the effort and intent were clear, and the question at the first break was whether Magic could sustain it across the next three quarters.
The answer came mid-second quarter. Wing attack Serina Daunakamakama snaffled a rare intercept on the transverse line to give Steel a two-goal edge, and what followed was a four-minute period of concentrated defensive pressure from the visitors - led by the relentless efforts of Carys Stythe and Khanye' Lii Munro-Nonoa - that swung the momentum decisively.
A seven-goal difference had opened up before Magic could respond. Despite the introduction of Losa Fifita into goal keep with Erena Mikaere moving to goal defence in the closing minutes of the half, Magic went to the break trailing 23-31.
Magic maintained their circle combination into the third quarter with Oceane Maihi coming on at wing defence, but Steel's defensive unit continued to shut down options and the scoreboard pressure mounted. In a genuine highlight for the home side, Guiney nailed two supershots - the first two two-point shots of the match - a sign of the confidence she is carrying in this role.
But despite those moments of individual brilliance, Magic went into the final break down 37-49, with the Steel's Steel coach Wendy Frew rotating freely through her full bench. Steel closed out a 61-48 win - their fourth straight and a move to the top of the Premiership table.
For Magic the improvements across the board are real and visible. The opening quarter in particular showed what this group is capable of when they play with freedom and belief. Guiney's growing influence at goal attack, the Edgecombe-Poi contest in the middle, and moments of defensive quality throughout give the coaching staff plenty to work with. The points will come.
