An 11-0 run to close the game gave Ajax a 61-58 win as the Dunedin women’s club competition resumed after a three-week break on Tuesday night.
The win means they are the only team that will take form into next week’s playoffs, the Andy Bay Falcons having won by default against Varsity in the night’s other scheduled game.
That could be significant, too.
It will be over a month since either of those two have played by the time the playoffs begin.
More than that, Ajax showed their ability to get out of a tough spot.
Perhaps that was their experience showing. Natalie Ivamy and Janet Main, a duo that has been there many a time on bigger stages than this, led this Ajax team with 15 and 12 points respectively.
They trailed 38-26 at halftime, as the Magic ran hot from deep in the second quarter.
Sereana Rokotakala had nine of her 17 points in that period, showing her prowess from deep and in the mid-range.
It was a lead they held through the third quarter, heading into the final break at 47-37.
At that point Ajax found their groove.
They began getting stops and pushing in transition, getting to the hoop to eat into the Magic lead.
Fay Fualau-Searle finished a three-point play to stem the flow at 56-50.
However, it was the last resistance the Magic could manage.
Two quick mid-range jump shots from Jane Hendry and Hannah Beede brought Ajax to within two.
Janet Main then finished a transition three-point play, giving Ajax their first lead since early in the first quarter.
She followed that up with a jump shot from the corner, a dagger in the Magic’s hopes and giving Ajax the edge through to the end.
The win leaves both teams tied with a 6-6 record at the conclusion of the regular season.
The playoffs begin next week, in what promises to be an even contest between the four teams.
