date_range Published 01 Jun 2018

A big fourth quarter helped the South Pac Magic remain unbeaten in women’s club basketball on Tuesday.

Trailing 52-47 against the Andy Bay Falcons, the Magic won the final quarter 23-9 to claim victory 70-61.

It was a fast start from the Falcons which left the Magic clawing its way back.

The Falcons led 22-11 at the first break, spurred on by some good shooting from twins Zoe and Brittany Richards.

The duo hit three and two three-pointers in the quarter respectively, helping the Falcons out to a big lead.

The Magic pulled that back by five in the second quarter to have things at 37-31, closing that by one again in the third.

However, it is often how you finish games that determines the outcome and the Magic got the better of the ending.

Dana Goularte proved key with 29 points, while Natalie Visger chipped in with 13 and it had a handful of other solid contributions.

Zoe Richards continued her strong start and finished with 20 points to lead the Falcons.

In the second game, Varsity beat Andy Bay Kavanagh 62-49, although it again took until the final quarter to pull away.

It led 13-10 at the first break and extended that to 27-23 at halftime.

The difference remained the same at 45-41 at the end of the third, before Kavanagh was held to six points in the final quarter.

Kelly Thompson led the way with 15 points for Varsity, although Bronwyn Kjestrup, Estelle Schuler and Rosie Davison had 12, 10 and eight each to ensure a balanced scoring effort.

Annabelle Ring (14) had another impressive night for Kavanagh with 17 points, while Dre Whaanga chipped in with 12.

Ajax and the Magic face off next week in a battle between the two unbeaten sides.

Results B Grade:

  • Varsity Blue 55 def 33 Andy Bay Falcons B
  • South Pacific Magic Purple 58 def 32 South Pacific Magic White
  • Varsity B 47 def 45 Ajax Miners