Magic Lions roar again
THE Magic Lions have claimed their second win in as many weeks in Dunedin club basketball.
They held Varsity to six and five points in the second and fourth quarters respectively as they claimed a 6852 win.
After the Lions lost their opening five games, the win moves them equal with the Andy Bay Falcons in fourth place on the table.
However, it was Varsity that started the stronger of the two.
Indeed, it scored over half of its points in the first quarter, as it got contributions from a range of players to shoot out to a 2718 lead.
However, the Lions rallied to cut that to 3328 in a lowscoring second quarter.
The third quarter saw the Lions edge in front 5147 and another impressive defensive display left Varsity with just five fourthquarter points.
Nathan Hanna continued his strong form for the Lions, scoring 21 points, while Joe McAuley, Lee Devereux and Tai PorimaFlavell all reached double digits.
Riley Henley led the way for Varsity with 16.
Later, the Mid City Magic kept its unbeaten season alive with a 9390 win in its topofthetable match against the City Rise Bombers.
Both sides were depleted through a combination of university exams and holidays, although a tense finish prevailed nevertheless.
After an even first quarter, the Magic led 5141 at halftime.
However, Olly Smith showed his class and Hayden Russell found his scoring touch too, helping the Bombers claw back into the lead late in the game.
That duo had 29 and 22 points respectively, but it was not enough, as the Magic closed out the win.
Isaac Smiler and Brent Cheshire combined for 50 points for the Magic, managing 27 and 23 respectively.
In the early game, the St Kilda Saints put on a clinic to dispatch the Andy Bay Falcons 10768.
They led 3417 at the first break and extended that to 5931 at halftime.
The Saints got to the hoop with ease and shot an impressive 41% from beyond the arc, while the Falcons had no answers.