The Magic poured in 32 points in that second period, as they beat the Andy Bay Falcons 61-56 in women’s club basketball on Tuesday night.
It was a much-needed win for the Magic, who had lost four in a row — including last week’s default — coming into Tuesday’s match.
The win also pushed them into second-place on the table, the Magic having entered the game tied with the Falcons and Ajax on four wins — both of whom lost on Tuesday.
It was largely that second-quarter rampage that got the Magic over the line.
Their offence struggled throughout the first quarter, while Falcons forward Laura Ring (13 points) found her range early, helping her team to a 12-6 quarter-time lead.
At that point the Magic ignited.
It was partially their defence that generated the points. They aggressively hunted steals in the full-court and turned them into open looks, against a Falcons team that struggled to handle the pressure.
However, it was also partially the fact they were simply clinical in their finishing and shot exceptionally well.
Shanti Kara (21 points), Tia Pavihi (14 points) and Sereana Rokotokala (10 points) were key throughout the run.
They fired from all areas, lighting up the Falcons from deep, in the mid-range and at the hoop.
The deficit quickly evaporated and, as the dominance continued, the Magic shot out to a 38-26 halftime lead.
South Pac did not replicate that dominance through the second half.
But the damage was done.
They held a 51-41 lead at the end of the third quarter, despite the Falcons getting to within six at one stage, after an 8-0 run.
Another 8-0 run followed midway through the fourth quarter.
But a Pavihi lay-up, followed by a Kara triple, restored the double-digit lead.
From there, the Falcons made a late push to draw closer, although the deficit was always going to be too large to reel in.
In the other game, top-of-the-table Varsity moved to seven wins with an 82-51 win over Ajax.
Tyler Mitchell hit five three-pointers, as she poured in 27 points, while Abby Harris added 16 for the students.
Janet Main led Ajax with 15 points.
Next week will be the final week of games, before a two-week break for the university holidays.
