It’s not quite down to pulling a rabbit from a hat, but Mandurah Magic’s top men’s basketball team will need a special performance to finish the NBL1 West season on a high note.
Their 2023 campaign ends this Friday at home against the finals-bound Lakeside Lightning, who are still smarting after coughing up a big lead to lose to Joondalup last Saturday and will be wanting to return to the winner’s circle before the play-offs begin.
For the Magic, it will be their final chance to land just a third win for the year.
Their only two victories so far came during back to back round in June, when they beat both East Perth and the Goldfields Giants in the space of five days.
Mandurah fought hard in their latest away loss to Willetton last Saturday, with the difference between a top-four calibre team and the cellar-dwellers just 14 points at the final whistle.
Ray Turner turned back the clock against one of his former teams with the 2015 league MVP delivering 35 points, 18 rebounds, three assists and two blocks for Mandurah while shooting 13/24 from the floor, 2/3 from downtown and 7/10 at the free-three throw line.
Dequan Abrom also delivered 19 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, Kai Daniels eight points, five boards, three assists and three steals, and Chad Miegel seven points, six rebounds and two assists.
Willetton’s top scorer in the 101-87 victory was Damien Scott with 18 points to go with four rebounds, four assists and two steals on shooting 8/13 from the floor and 2/3 from beyond.
Tip-off for this Friday’s game at Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre is at 8.30pm.