Robinhood Stars steer season back on track with outstanding overtime win

The Robinhood Stars have have pulled off a stunning eight-goal comeback to topple the Good Oil Tactix 57-56 in overtime in Auckland.

The win is the Stars' sixth of the season and sees them maintain top spot on the ANZ Premiership ladder.

The first quarter was a pulsating affair, with both teams showing intent with the ball, with passes delivered at pace.

As both sides traded goals, it was the Tactix who would land the first big blow, with a crucial intercept leading to a three-goal lead early. The Stars gave away a couple more turnovers in quick succession and the deficit was soon seven goals.

The Stars started to string together some consistency with ball in hand and with Maia Wilson not missing a shot and Jamie Hume shooting well too, the Stars rallied and closed the gap to four at quarter time - trailing 18-14.

The Stars ramped up their defensive intensity and were rewarded with multiple turnovers, but unfortunately couldn't turn them into points. The Tactix made the most of being handed back possession and took their lead to eight goals midway through the period.

The Stars refused to let the game get away from them though and fought back with some important goals to half the deficit back to four late.

The Tactix scored a quick goal in the dying seconds and as Wilson missed her first shot of the night, the Stars went into half-time down five - 29-24.

The Stars sprung to life in the third quarter and showed the belief and trust that has been on show for much of the season. 

After finding themselves down by five midway through the period, the Stars aggressive defence wrestled some key turnovers off the Tactix and with the shooting end of Wilson and Hume finding their touch, cut the deficit to as little as a single goal.

The Tactix responded with some turnovers of their own and after some back and forth, took a 42-39 advantage into the final quarter.

The Stars defensive pairing of Anna Harrison and Elle Temu showed why they are one of the best combos in the in the competition, with the pair combining for five gains in the quarter, with Temu latching onto three crucial intercepts.

Midcourters Gina Crampton and Mila Reuelu-Buchanan showed poise under pressure, feeding in some dimes to Wilson and Hume who with their accurate shooting helped the Stars tie up the contest and then take the lead for the first time.

The Stars extended their lead to two points late in the piece and it looked like they might be heading for victory, before the Tactix responded with a turnover of their own and all of a sudden the game was locked up again.

The Tactix had a chance to win the game with the final shot of the match, but Te Paea Selby-Rickit couldn't convert and the match finished at 51-all at the end of regulation time and the Stars were headed to overtime for the first time this season.

The Stars were not going to let this opportunity to take hold of the game pass them by and after scoring the first goal of overtime, managed to force a vital turnover and take a three-goal lead into the second period of extra time through some composed periods of play. 

The Stars held their nerve in the second half of overtime, with Wilson and Hume unflappable in front of goal as the Stars fended off a late Tactix fight back to win 57-56.

Wilson was given player of the match honours after a rock-solid display in front of goal, shooting 38 from 40 at a terrific 95% accuracy rate. 

The Stars' next match is against the Northern Mystics away on Sunday, in the first game of the Northern Challenge series.