Cold Power Magic retained their title as New Zealand Conference Champions after posting an upset 59-57 win over the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel in Invercargill on Sunday.
The only team to play in every Finals Series in the nine years of the ANZ Championship, Magic showed all their experience and resilience to cement a home Semi-Final for next weekend while inflicting the Steel's first loss this season.
Played at a cracking pace throughout, a dominate opening half set up the Magic's win. Buoyed by their tough win in last week's Elimination Final, the visitors retained their momentum to shut down the Steel and leave them in unfamiliar territory.
Coming into the match on an unbeaten 13-game streak, the Steel delivered a strong second half comeback but Magic absorbed everything the home team could throw at them, even when the Steel drew level with six minutes to play.
The link on attack between pivot Grace Rasmussen and shooter Joanne Harten, the game's MVP, was key for the Magic, the visitor's through-court transitional play almost faultless in its timing, accuracy and speed.