The Southern Steel have consolidated second place in ANZ Premiership netball, with a commanding win over the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic.
The defending champions outclassed the Magic 63-48 in Hamilton, putting a big dent in the Waikato side's hopes of scraping into the playoffs.
The Magic would have to win all three remaining games, and hope other results go their way to claim the third and final playoff spot, currently occupied by the Northern Stars.
If they want that to happen, the Magic will have to improve their defence, which cost them dearly against the Steel.
Steel shooters Lenize Potgieter (39/44) and Te Paea Selby-Rickit (22/27) led the way for the southerners in a largely one-sided contest.
Trailing 17-13 at the end of the first quarter, the home side closes the gap to one goal early in the second, before the wheels fell off.
The Steel went on a 10-2 run to eventually hold a 32-25 advantage at the main break.
The visitors showed their class in the third, as they more than doubled their lead, outscoring the Magic 16-8 in the quarter.
With a doubleheader looming in the next round, the Steel made full use of their bench during the final quarter, which finished 15-15.
The Steel have now beaten the Magic three times this season.
All six teams will be in action on Sunday, as part of the third and final 'Super Sunday' on the premiership calendar in Invercargill.
The Magic will face the Pulse, before the Steel tackle the Northern Mystics, with the Mainland Tactix against the Northern Stars rounding off the action.
Newshub.
