Jeff Cheshire

It was a typical contest in the league’s biggest rivalry in many ways.

It was the table-toppers against the second-bottom team.

Millie Simpson rejected the screen and took two hard dribbles left.

It was a game of runs and Varsity had the last one.

Defence was how it started and defence was how it ended.

Varsity dealt their blow early and never let up.

The Mid City Magic’s win itself was not so much the story.

The South Pac Magic rode a fast start to propel themselves to victory over the defending champions.

Varsity have sent an early shockwave through Dunedin basketball.

The Mid City Magic will be chasing a seventh title in eight years when the A grade gets under way today.

Varsity have grafted their way to opening night honours in a rematch of last year’s final.

The signs were ominous as the Mid City Magic got going.

The St Kilda Saints will defend their men's club basketball title against the Mid City Magic in today's final.

There was finally a sense the game could be out of reach as James Ross’ three-pointer fell through the hoop.

The reaction was one of relief more than jubilation as the streak finally ended.

The Andy Bay Falcons survived a late resurgence to claim overtime victory and advance to the semifinals.

A star-laden City Rise Bombers have handed the St Kilda Saints one their heaviest defeats in recent history.

A rematch of last year’s final looms.