Resilient Stars shine to topple Tactix

The Go Media Stars have overcome a week of adversity to notch up a fantastic 57-52 ANZ Premiership victory over the Tactix in their first home game of the season at Pulman Arena.

The Stars made a nervy start to the contest and conceded some cheap turnovers which allowed the Tactix to open up an early four goal advantage.

However, in true Stars spirt they showed their grit and determination to fight back, with great pressure forcing the Tactix into errors and allowed defenders Remi Kamo and Lili Tokaduadua to nab intercepts in quick succession and swing momentum towards the Stars.

The introduction of the two-point shot was a timely one for the Stars, as shooter Charlie Bell nailed back to back shots to get the crowd into the game, take the roof off Pulman Arena and most importantly give the Stars their first lead of the match.

Celebrating her 100th game, mid-court maestro Mila Reuelu-Buchanan was on fire, incising the ball through the Tactix defence on multiple occasions and finding Bell and Maia Wilson in the shooting circle.

The Stars finished a frantic quarter with their noses ahead 15-14.

The Stars continued to ride their wave of momentum and managed to upset the flow of the Tactix' attack with their doggedness on defence, as Kamo and Tokaduadua and Lisa Mather at wing defence were nuisances throughout.

The Stars had some shooting jitters in the middle of the quarter, but their persistence to chase down offensive rebounds earned them another shooting chance and kept the scoreboard ticking over, much to the frustration of the Tactix. 

Monica Falkner came onto the court at goal attack and landed an important two-point shot near the end of the quarter to give the Stars a 28-24 advantage at half-time.

The Stars hung tough to start the second half, conscious that the Tactix would come out firing as they attempted to wedge their way back into the match.

Kayla Johnson made her first appearance for the Stars since 2022, coming on at wing defence with Reuelu-Buchanan on a minutes restriction and taking a rest. Johnson had some classy touches and steadied the defensive end of the Stars.

The Tactix mounted a momentary comeback and came to within three goals before Kamo nabbed a timely rebound off a missed Tactix shot to stunt their surge.

The two-point shot was once again the shot in the arm the Stars needed and with Bell and Falkner cashing in with a two-pointer each, the Stars suddenly had a commanding lead, up 45-38 after three quarters.

The Stars were determined to not to let this one get away from them and dug deep when they needed to most.

Tokaduadua went beast mode, hauling in three intercepts in quick succession which helped heap scoreboard pressure on the Tactix as the clock ticked down.

The sound of the two-point hooter must've stunned the Tactix into action as they nailed three consecutive two-pointers and suddenly it was a two-point ball game.

The Stars took a deep breath and regained their composure and as the full-time hooter sounded they found themselves as 57-52 winners.

Tokaduadua earned player of the match honours with a stellar display which included seven gains and five intercepts.

Bell finished the game with impressive shooting statistics - netting 37 of her 39 shots at goal and three two-pointers.

The Stars are back at home next Saturday when they entertain the Pulse at Pulman Arena.