Pulse Power Past Stars In Auckland

The Go Media Stars have been handed their second loss of the ANZ Premiership season, falling to the Pulse 69-45 at Pulman Arena.

The Stars came out buoyed by last week's impressive win over the Tactix, but knew they'd face a tough task against a well-polished Pulse outfit.

The Stars struggled to build phases with the ball on attack and were under fire by the ruthless defensive duo of Kelly Jackson and Parris Mason, who made Stars shooters Maia Wilson and Charlie Bell work hard for every goal.

Lili Tokaduadua once again donned the goal defence bib and her connection with goal keep Remi Kamo continued to build nicely, as they too pressured the Pulse with every attacking raid sent their way.

The Pulse managed to capitalise on more of their opportunities and raced out to a large lead and with the Stars unable to convert in the two-point period and the Pulse shooting at 100% as a team, they found themselves down 16-8 after one.

The introduction of Kayla Johnson at wing defence provided some steadiness through the middle of the court, with her experience showing through the timing of her passes to ignite the attack.

The Pulse continued to play at a rapid speed and the Stars at times struggled to keep up as they fell further behind.

Charlie Bell worked tirelessly under the post and with the two-point hooter giving the green light for some freedom, she responded, hitting the Stars' first two-pointer of the match.

The Stars maintained a valiant effort and were rewarded for their defensive tenacity with Kamo snatching an impressive intercept off some sloppy Pulse play.

The Pulse remained on top at the half-time break however, ahead 36-19 as the teams debriefed in the changing sheds.

Maia Wilson moved from goal attack to goal shoot to open the second half and looked comfortable back in a position she knows so well, showing poise in front of goal and stringing together a number of successful shots.

Determined to improve on their first half showing, the Stars showed glimpses of the side that picked up their first win last weekend, with some slick play on attack and unwavering defensive effort helping them keep parity with the Pulse for much of the quarter.

The crowd came alive in the final five minutes as Wilson alongside Monica Falkner at goal attack, put on a show, nailing three two-point shots in a row to end the quarter on a high, only losing the quarter by a solitary goal, but still trailing 50-32 heading into the fourth.

The Stars battled to the very end, led by their mid-court leader Mila Reuelu-Buchanan who refused to quit while she was on the court.

Wilson and Bell finished strongly with some fantastic two-pointers - netting three to finish the match.

The Pulse continued to run downhill to the finish line of the match, with their anticipation on defence earning them extra possessions and they made it count on the scoreboard with a 69-45 victory as the final whistle sounded.

The Stars travel to Hamilton next Monday to face the Magic.

Go Media Stars: 45
Pulse: 69

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