Pulse's Parris Mason (R) and Kelly Jackson (L) with Steel's Georgia Heffernan. Photo: Marty Melville
The Pulse have the best defensive record in the ANZ Premiership and that was highlighted big time when they suffocated the Southern Steel 70-45 in Invercargill on Sunday.
Playing at home in Invercargill for the first time this season, the Steel have shown promising signs in returning to their form of old but were largely outclassed.
In registering their highest winning score since 2018, the Pulse dominated across the court and rocked the Steel early on.
The circle defensive pairing of Kelly Jackson and Parris Mason, supported by wing defence Fa'amu Ioane and centre Maddy Gordon, stifled the Steel attacking line early.
Goal shoot Aliyah Dunn has been impressive for the Steel, and sits second in the competition for goals scored.
But Dunn was restricted to just 24 goals at 70 percent accuracy.
A ballooning scoreline prompted a rearranged midcourt for the home side who had plenty of work in front of them when trailing 19-7 at the first break.
Things blew out even more for the Steel, and they went into the main break trailing 38-19.
Dunn was forced into several Super Shot attempts in an effort to close the gap but was only able to convert two out of 10.
Pulse captain Kelly Jackson said they knew how dangerous Dunn could be.
"We wanted to keep her ball in hand to a minimum, we know that she can really put away some big numbers so really happy with that," Jackson said.
For the Pulse, Amelia Walmsley converted 50 goals from 51 attempts, to crack her second half-century of the season.
Tiana Metuarau. Photo: Photosport
Gordon and Whitney Souness dominated the midcourt, while play-making goal attack Tiana Metuarau's vision provided on-point long-range ball into the hands of Walmsley.
Metuarau shot 15 goals, including five super shots.
A third quarter revival from the Steel made things interesting with the home side winning the period 21-14.
Two super shots by Georgia Heffernan and one to Dunn galvanised the Steel but Metuarau settled the visitors with a two-pointer on the buzzer.
The Pulse headed into the last break with a handy 52-40 lead and then went on a 18-5 fourth quarter blitz.
Jackson was pleased with every part of the court.
"Everyone went out there and really nailed their own jobs and it makes it easier for everyone across the court when our roles are clear and we're executing them. When we had ball in hand we were in control and we were able to suffocate them defensively.
"I think Amelia had a great game she was a great target and Tiana, and the midcourt fed them really well," Jackson said.
An on-going injury ruled Steel midcourter Kate Heffernan out for a fourth straight week.
The Pulse now sit second on the ladder, just behind the Tactix who have a bonus point.
The Magic and Stars meet tonight in the final game of the fourth round.
