Fast becoming the queens of extra-time, the GoSweetSpot Mystics clinched another nerve-jangling 53-51 win over the VIP Frames & Trusses Tactix in Christchurch on Saturday.

In a gripping top-of-the-table clash, the Mystics edged closer to claiming the Minor Premiership and hosting rights for the Grand Final after closing out their second extra-time win in as many weeks with a storming final quarter.

There were no surprises in the Tactix starting line-up with 1.97m import Charlie Bell getting the nod at goal shoot while the Mystics started captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson at goal defence.

From the outset, the match lived up to expectations, the lead changing hands several times in an intense and absorbing arm-wrestle. Both teams executed well on attack before the respective defence ends tightened the screws, which resulted in hesitancy and held balls.

With defenders dictating, patience and smart feeding was required, home side midcourter Holly Mather and Mystics Peta Toeava were expert in weaving the ball through. With neither side taking a backward step, the scores remained deadlocked at 12-all at the first break.

Scoring the opening two goals on the resumption, the Mystics held the slightest of edges for long spells of the second stanza. Keeping their noses just in front by a two-goal margin, the visitors found an easier passage to goal through their slick midcourt pairing of Toeava and Tayla Earle while Filda Vui and Wilson showed their intuitive shooter-to-shooter understanding under the hoop.

Measured on attack, a big lift from the dynamic Tactix defensive trio of Fa’amu Muliaga, Laura Balmer and Ash Barnett swung momentum back in the home side’s favour. While gaining clean intercepts was a rarity, the pair picked up eight deflections between them to be a disruptive influence.

Phoenix Karaka was equally effective at the other end for the Mystics but finding an extra gear, the Tactix levelled up inside the last three minutes before holding their opponents at bay to forge the slimmest of leads when heading to the main break 26-25.

With the Mystics re-jigging their defence and shooting lines, the visitors regained the lead early in the piece before the Tactix delivered a decisive response to make the first clear-cut break of the match.

The contest remained riveting and the intensity unabated but the perfectly employed high ball into the towering Bell, paid dividends while at the other end, the constant hustle from the rangy and roaming Barnett and Balmer proved key.

Picking up the extra scraps, the Tactix kept the scoreboard ticking over while untimely lapses eroded the Mystics challenge. Stretching out to the biggest margin of the game, it was all the Tactix, who pushed out to a 40-35 lead at the last turn.

In the box seat when leading by five heading into the final quarter and in front of a 5000-strong home crowd, the Tactix faltered when it counted most.

The Mystics threw everything into the last 15 minutes which had a bit of everything, including two tactical timeouts, shooting wobbles and immense defensive pressure.

Experience and connectivity show for the Mystics as they produced a forceful fourth quarter response, to level the scores up at 48-all at the end of regular time.

With extra time fresh in their minds from last week, the Mystics again came out strong and fast, determined to grasp the win.

The experience of standout shooter Maia Wilson showed, nailing 38 from 40, and proving decisive.

For the Tactix, their shooting radar went astray at the wrong time and their 10-game winning streak at home over the past two seasons was also broken.

With both teams confirmed for the Finals series, there is plenty to play for in round 10 as both look to secure the Minor