History
This would be one of the bigger rivalries in local sport, and it has not always been a friendly one, either. Today will be the 12th time these teams have met in the final since 2005. One of the two has appeared in each other final during that time, and only once has another team won — Otago Boys' Old Boys in 2011. The Magic hold a 6-5 edge in those encounters, although it was the Saints who emerged victorious in devastating fashion a year ago, completing an unbeaten season to snap the Magic's streak of five consecutive titles.
Form
The Magic enter this one as favourites. They are amid a 10-game winning streak, their only blemish this season being a two-point overtime loss to the Saints in May. Since then, they have claimed a resounding win over St Kilda, and reasonably comfortably breezed past the rest of their opposition. The Saints bring a 12-3 record, and had to dig deep for a double overtime win in their semifinal against the City Rise Bombers. While they have proven adept at finding ways to win, they have been far less convincing since the first month of the season.
Why the Magic will win
There is too much firepower across the board. Their backcourt of Mitchell Hughan, Dallas Hartmann and Joe Ahie are all top-quality operators, all of whom can go off for a huge game. Otago Nuggets swingman Josh Aitcheson is back in Magic colours and will be influential, while Nathan Hanna gives them a powerful presence inside. There is plenty of experience on the bench and, crucially, this team is playing the best team basketball it has in several years.
Why the Saints will win
James Ross and Mike Ruske form a potent backcourt that are more than capable of doing the heavy lifting. The pair combined for 81 points in their semifinal win, and have both had multiple 40-point games this season, while also excelling at facilitating for others. Both are well-rounded and skilful players, with high IQs and the ability to play winning basketball. Ross alone has seven titles since debuting in 2007, and has been the key man in virtually all of those. Surrounding them is a very useful supporting cast, who will hit shots and playoff the two ball-handlers well.
Details
The final tips off at 2.10pm at the Edgar Centre.
