Charlie Bell shot accurately from near and far for Northern Stars. Photo: Blake Armstrong/Photosport
Injury-riddled Northern Stars have proved too strong for Mainland Tactix, leading for all but the opening 12 minutes to prevail 57-52 in their ANZ Premiership encounter at Auckland's Pulman Arena.
The home side led by as many as 10 points in the final quarter, before a flurry of two-point goals in the final minutes, narrower the eventual margin.
Towering Aussie shooter Charlie Bell (1.97m) dominated at the attacking end for the Stars, converting 40/44 (90.9 percent) attempts at goal, including three from long range.
At the other end, Martina Salmon slotted 36/43 (83.7 percent) for the Tactix, but the Stars defenders also proved effective, with goal defence Liviwa Tokaduadua grabbing five of their seven intercepts.
The Stars lost several players to injury during a torrid home derby against Northern Mystics last week, with former Silver Fern Kayla Johnson summoned from retirement to help fill the void. Johnson logged 16 minutes at wing defence across the third and fourth quarters.
The result leaves both teams with a win and a loss from their two rounds, trailling the defending champion Mystics, who have two wins.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic host Southern Steel in Hamilton on Monday, both still searching for their first wins of the season.
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