The defending champion rode a big first half to claim a 70-48 win over Andy Bay Kavanagh in women’s club basketball at the Edgar Centre in Dunedin on Tuesday.
It ended Kavanagh’s unbeaten start to the season, leaving Ajax the only unbeaten team after three rounds.
The Magic did its damage in the second quarter.
It held Kavanagh to four points, preventing good looks at the hoop turning into shots and pushing to score at the other end.
That took it to a 34-13 halftime lead and while Kavanagh came back, it was a gap it never reeled in.
Lisa Wallbutton top-scored with 18 points and the former Tall Fern’s ability to get deep in the post and finish at different angles made her tough to stop.
She was key early, scoring 10 first quarter points to help the Magic take a 17-9 lead.
Te Araroa Sopoaga was similarly key with 17 points.
She got to the hoop and threatened in transition, while backcourt partner Georgia Te Au was also influential as a playmaker and dished out a handful of nice assists.
Kavanagh pulled back after halftime, but while it managed 19 third-quarter points, it could not close the gap.
It ended the third quarter at 54-32, before an even fourth quarter sealed a comfortable win for the Magic.
Ajax had a 62-59 win over Varsity.
Zoe Richards had 25 points for Ajax, scoring 14 of the side’s last 19 points as it edged past the students.
Tara Clement top-scored for Varsity with 17 points.
The Andy Bay Falcons secured their first win of the season, Brittney Young’s 20 points helping them past South Pac OGHS 55-37.
