2 May 2015

Steel thwart Pulse in thriller

7:36 pm on 2 May 2015

The Southern Steel have taken a major step towards securing a spot in the play-offs with a thrilling 50-49 win over the Central Pulse in Dunedin.

Steel's Shannon Francois celebrates their win against the Pulse.

Steel's Shannon Francois celebrates their win against the Pulse. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Steel enjoyed a relatively easy passage to goal with feeders Gina Crampton and Shannon Francois having little trouble getting the ball into the hands of the league's tallest shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid.

The Jamaican import was a telling presence under the Steel hoop as the Pulse defenders struggled to make an impact.

The Steel's low turnover rate added to the pressure on the Pulse who produced several unforced errors to help the hosts to a 31-27 half time lead.

The vistors edged in front with just under four minutes to play in the final quarter, but the Pulse let the opportunity slip with another error.

The Steel held their nerve to score twice with less than a minute on the clock to take the win and climb into second place in the New Zealand conference.

Steel shooting statistics:

Jhaniele Fowler-Reid 35/44 (80%)

Te Paea Selby-Rickit 15/18 (83%)

Pulse shooting statistics:

Jodi Brown 31/33 (94%)

Irene van Dyk 7/9 (78%)

Ameliaranne Wells 11/16 (69%)