After both dropping games last week, the sides claimed wins to retain the gap between the top three and the chasing pack.
The Magic bounced back from its first regular season loss in two years with an 89-73 win over the Andy Bay Falcons. The Magic led the whole game.
Its speed in transition was tough for the Falcons to handle, while in the half court it cut well and did a good job of finding the open man.
That, coupled with its range of threats — five of its players scored in double-figures and all seven scored seven or more — made it hard to cover.
It jumped out to a lead midway through the first quarter and led 24-16 at the first break.
That was swallowed up in the second quarter, Falcons guard Hamish Robertson scoring eight quick points to bring it back to 35-34.
However, a time-out did the trick for the Magic and it finished stronger, going to halftime up 44-34.
The Falcons closed that gap to four in the third, but again the Magic hit back late and took a 65-50 lead to the final break, which it maintained through the fourth quarter.
Josh Aitcheson led the way for the Magic with 19 points, while Benoit Hayman had 18.
Robertson top-scored for the Falcons with 24.In the second game the Magic Lions had comfortable lead at the final break, only to be undone by a sloppy fourth quarter against the City Rise Bombers.
Both sides were missing key players, although the Bombers’ star duo of Olly Smith and Steve Robinson made their presence felt as they claimed a 75-67 win.
The Lions took a 21-16 lead to the first break but the Bombers pegged that back to tie 39-39 at halftime.
A strong third quarter from the Lions saw them shoot out to a 67-49 lead at the final break, but the Bombers came roaring back.
Smith and Robinson both stepped up late, combining for 22 of the Bombers’ 26 fourth-quarter points, while holding the Lions to 10.
Smith finished with 26 points, while Robinson had 22.
Joe McAuley led the Lions with 21.
• The St Kilda Saints beat Varsity by default.
