date_range Published 05 Aug 2019

This weekend saw an upset between the Magic Lions and the St Kilda Saints in the biggest clash of the day.

Both teams fought a tough battle, sharing the lead throughout, but the Lions emerged 69-68 victors.

In the first quarter Connor Coll came out strong, knocking down a three for the Saints’ first points, followed by a pull-up two.

Tyler Lapham backed Coll up from the three-line, knocking down early shots to keep the quarter tight.

Lions point guard Liam Ayson also had a strong start with five points, followed up by Tai Flavell, and the first quarter ended 18-18.

In the second quarter the Saints picked up the pace, playing through Lapham and James Nicol, who found their shots and kept their side in the lead.

Andrew Armstrong shot well for the Lions and kept them in contention, with Flavell playing strong down the lane.

The Saints led 31-29 at the half.

Coll subbed out early in the third with four fouls, leaving other Saints to step up in scoring. Jamie McDonald shot well through pull-ups.

Flavell again led the Lions, who played well with new addition Joe Ahie, blowing past the St Kilda side to lead 53-46 after the third.

The fourth quarter was a tight battle, with both teams gaining the lead, and the Saints fighting back from their third quarter lapse in offence.

They again played well through NBL prospect Coll, who showed his talent inside and out, knocking down a big three before finding a strong finish at the rim.

He kept it close at the end and secured the lead in the closing minutes.

However, Flavell finished well at the rim too, and secured a one point win over the tough St Kilda side.

This weekend finished the regular season, and the competition now moves on to the playoffs.

The Mid City Magic plays the St Kilda Saints to advance directly to the final, while the winner between Varsity and the Lions will play the loser of the first match-up.

In other games of the week, the Lions cut down playoff hopeful Andy Bay Falcons in a close-fought game, the Lions hitting three free throws with one second left to win 92-91.

The Falcons also lost to the Bombers in their final match of the year. The Bombers showed they were the tougher side inside, securing too many offensive rebounds to win 99-89.

In the final game the Magic secured top spot with a 15-point win over Varsity.

 - Harry Thorp

A Grade results

Mid City Magic 85 def 69 Varsity Starters

Magic Lions 69 def 68 St Kilda Saints

City Rise Bombers A 99 def 89 Andy Bay Falcons 1

A Res Grade results

St Kilda Dragons 71 def 52 City Rise Bombers B

OB’s Elite 105 def 104 Magic Muddogs

Varsity Blue 77 def 66 Andy Bay Falcons 2

Andy Bay Falcons 3 101 def 99 Varsity Thunder

B Grade results

OB’s Too 71 def 59 Andy Bay Falcons Red

Varsity Storm 59 def 47 Varsity Comets

Sth Pac Kings 53 def 36 St Kilda Tropics

Sth Pac Kavanagh 75 def 68 Andy Bay Falcons White

Magic Vipers 75 def 63 Andy Bay Falcons Blue