The Mystics have powered five points clear at the top of the New Zealand conference courtesy of a 61-53 trans-Tasman league win over the struggling Tactix in Auckland.
The gulf between the leading Kiwi team and their winless opponents wasn't apparent on Sunday as the Mystics lost the first and third quarters.
However, they won the second and fourth stanzas by a greater margin to secure a fifth win from 10 games and climb to 12 points, well clear of nearest Kiwi rivals the Steel and Magic, both on seven with four rounds remaining in the regular season.
The Tactix slumped to a ninth straight loss, suffering the same outcome as their first round encounter against the Mystics, who won 59-53 in Christchuch.
This time Mystics had to do most of it without their veteran Silver Ferns midcourter Laura Langman, who suffered a hip injury and exited after the first quarter.
Camilla Lees made a fine fist of wing attack in her place, linking well with international goal attack Maria Tutaia, who enjoyed another dominant game.
Tutaia shot 24 from 28 shots to complement the 37/43 from goal shoot Cathrine Latu.
Malawi goal shoot Mwai Kumwenda was a strong figure in the Tactix shooting circle, posting 40/43 but she struggled for support as Bailey Mes and Gemma Hazeldine were both effectively closed down during stints at goal attack.
Wing defence Serena Guthrie was the pick of the Mystics back court, pulling off five intercepts
The home side turned a 13-12 deficit after the first quarter to a 31-23 halftime lead before the margin was reduced to four goals heading into the final quarter.
Latu was influential in the last 15 minutes while Katherine Coffin made an impression when replacing Kayla Cullen at goal defence.
The Mystics, who are unbeaten in six games against New Zealand opposition, have a bye next week before closing out against the Magic, Steel and Vixens.
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