The Robinhood Stars have marked coach Kiri Wills' 50th game in charge in style with a comprehensive 61-49 round five ANZ Premiership victory over the Splice Construction Magic in Tauranga.

The win keeps the Stars on top of the ladder and unbeaten in all five games this season.

After a tentative start to the match, the Stars shot to life - with fast paced feeds on the counter from the midcourt blowing away the Magic defence, as the Stars worked towards a healthy 18-9 lead at quarter time. Defender Elle Temu continued her strong season, pulling in two intercepts and finishing the first quarter with three gains.

The Magic applied defensive pressure at the start of the second quarter and were rewarded with a number of turnovers to narrow the gap, but the Stars regained control of the match with defensive pressure of their own. Oceane Maihi added spark to the back court, complimenting the hard work done by Temu and Anna Harrison.

Midcourter Gina Crampton led the Stars attack in the first half with 22 circle edge feeds and with Maia Wilson nailing all nine of her second quarter shots at goal and Jamie Hume adding six herself, the Stars took a 33-22 advantage into the second half.

Whatever was said in the half-time team talk by Magic coach Amigene Metcalfe worked for the home side, as they came out with determination and vigour and wore down the Stars on defence and reaped the benefits, cutting the Stars' lead down to as little as four. 

But once again like they do so well, the Stars regained composure and ascendancy and after going on a run of five straight goals late in the period, held a 45-36 lead at three-quarter time.

The Stars then kept their flow with ball in hand, with Wilson's swift movement in the shooting circle freeing her up to extend their lead to as much as 15 goals. The Stars were able to empty their bench and after some late fight from the Magic, came away with the 61-49 win.

Wilson was rewarded for a rock solid performance where she shot 43 from 51 attempts, by being named player of the match.

The Stars' next game is against the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse at home on Sunday.

You might also be interested in...