Defending champions the MG Mystics held their nerve to triumph, 61-52, over a hugely improved Ascot Park Hotel Steel in the cauldron of ILT Stadium Southland.
The Trident Homes Tactix required all their experience and poise to fend off a spirited second half fightback before finally subduing a gallant Stars 59-54 in Christchurch on Sunday.
A clinical finish following a shaky first half has given Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse a comprehensive 56-44 win over AVIS Magic in their second-round match of the ANZ Premiership at TSB Arena in Wellington on Saturday.
In charge for three-quarters of the match, Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse were forced to defuse a determined Stars fightback before clinching a 58-51 win over the Stars to open their 2024 campaign in Auckland on Sunday.
Once warmed up, defending champions the MG Mystics put all teams on notice when producing a decisive second half to open the 2024 ANZ Premiership with an impressive 64-52 win over AVIS Magic in Hamilton on Saturday.