The Canterbury Tactix felt the full force of a Caitlin Thwaites onslaught tonight as the Central Pulse ran away 54-47 winners at CBS Canterbury Arena.
Thwaites dominated, creating havoc for the Tactix defenders and slotting goals with aplomb from all over the circle.
She finished with 37 from 40 at 93% and was ably assisted by shooting partner Paula Griffin.
The Pulse have now won their last five matches against the Tactix and sit hold a three match winning streak - their best record ever.
The match brought more of the same from the Tactix.
At stages they looked dominant and for a good majority of the match were arguably the better side but mistakes at vital times cost them dearly.
The defenders would produce some magic to create a turnover but were then let down by rushed passes and bad decisions.
Defensively they were the best they have been all season with Bessie Manu and Stacey Francis both having powerhouse performances.
The faithful were daring to dream early in the match when they raced out to a 5-0 lead after just three minutes of play.
They looked sharp, in control and had their opposition flat footed and struggling to keep up.
Despite countless turnovers the Pulse managed to keep themselves in the game through the efforts of Thwaites and squared the ledger at 14 all at the end of the first quarter.
It was much of same in the second and the Pulse found themselves with an eight goal buffer before the Tactix clawed their way back into the match to trail by five at half-time.
Things again looked promising half way into the third with the Pulse struggling for ball.
But an injury break allowed them to re-gather and they took their chances and claimed a nine goal lead.
Clear winners of the final quarter the Tactix can take some positives out of the match.
Tactix coach Leigh Gibbs gave Jo Trip a full half and would have been impressed with what she saw from the young defender who made life just that little bit more difficult for the Pulse attack.
Down the other end of the court Jo Harten was her usual consistent self a capitalised on all opportunities presented to her from her feeders in mid court.
The Tactix have a week off to recharge the batteries before they head to Invercargill to take on the Southern Steel in round 12.
Central Pulse 54 (Caitlin Thwaites 37 Paula Griffin 17) Canterbury Tactix 47 (Joanne Harten 27 Ellen Halpenny 20) at CBS Arena
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