Southern Steel have made no race of the clash of leading Kiwi teams in the trans-Tasman league, outclassing Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic 64-54 in Invercargill.
The unbeaten hosts did the damage early on, winning each of the first two quarters by six goals to lead 37-25 at halftime.
Led once again by Jamaican goal shoot Jhaniele Fowler-Reid, they notched a 10th win from 11 games, with their only blot being a second-round draw against Mainland Tactix.
The Magic were expected to provide a stern test, having won their previous five games to be placed comfortably second among the struggling Kiwi teams.
However, like most this year, they couldn't halt the flow of possession to Fowler-Reid, who finished with 55 goals from 61 shots.
The towering shooter bagged nine rebounds, meaning she and Te Paea Selby-Rickit (9/15) enjoyed numerous second chances.
Nineteen-year-old Magic goal keeper Kelly Jury had her hands full, struggling to cut the supply line from Steel midcourters Gina Crampton and Shannon Francois.
Regular Magic goal shoot Jo Harten played the first three quarters at goal attack to mixed effect. The English international finished with 37/45 while Paula Griffin netted 16/21.
The Steel, who won 63-53 when the teams met in Rotorua two months ago, face a testing finish to the regular season.
They host the Melbourne Vixens next week before travelling to face Australian leaders the NSW Swifts in the final round.
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