Magic Bounce Back

Added 28 May 2007

Following last week's shock defeat to cellar dwellers Bulleen, the Magic men were determined to bounce back with a strong weekend. The weekend started with a trip to the Boardman Stadium in Sunbury on Saturday night in a match that was broadcast on the radio by Sunbury radio station 3NRG 99.3FM. Sunbury edged what was a closely fought first half taking a 38-34 lead into half time. But from there, the Magic put their foot to the ground and pulled away from the Jets and recorded a comfortable 94-69 victory. Boyd Smart led the way with 23 points shooting 64% from the field. Seb Belfrage, Jay Allen and Matt Slaven also had double figures with Jay Allen also chipping in with 6 assists and Seb Belfrage 13 rebounds.

The following day, at Boroondara, the Magic backed up with a matchup with last season's minor premiers Keilor Thunder. Hawthorn started quickly setting up a big first quarter lead 32-17. From there Keilor slowly chipped away at the lead and at one stage came within 5 points mid way through the last quarter before the Magic steadied to win 88-78. Captain Jay Allen top scored with 31 points on 11/21 shooting and 4/9 from beyond the arc. Allen was also strong on the defensive end with 5 steals and 2 block shots. Seb Belfrage continued his strong season and again was a monster on the glass with 17 rebounds to go with his 15 points. For the visitors, Michael Forbes top scored with 30 points. The Magic now sit 3rd on the ladder. The men travel over the Westgate to take on the Altona Gators next week before returning to the BSC on June 17th against the Sunbury Jets.

The Magic women hosted the Shepparton Gators yesterday who came off the back of a solid win over Blackburn the night before in the first leg of their double header in Melbourne this weekend. Shepparton made their run in the 2nd quarter on the back of Caitlin Shadbolt who finished the game with 23 points. Shepparton held a strong 38-25 half time lead. The Magic staged a furious fight back in the 2nd half but fell 4 points short losing 63-59. Emily Matheson was again dominant for the Magic with 16 points and 8 rebounds and was well supported by Anna De Araugo who had 11 points and 12 rebounds. The Magic women travel to arch rivals Cragieburn next weekend and will be back home the following week to take on Sunbury.