A SUPERB defensive effort led Moss Vale Magic to victory on Saturday night.
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The Magic men's youth league team recorded a 70-56 win over Ryde Bulls.
It was the second time the two clubs had met in successive weeks.
Defence was the catalyst for the Magic turning around the previous week's loss to the Bulls.
Magic captain Nick Bizjak was a late withdrawal from Saturday's game due to illness.
But the Magic played strongly to maintain its top four position on the NSW Waratah Youth League ladder.
The Magic game plan focused on shutting down Jayden Kreig, who finished with 31 points the previous week.
Isaac Martin was given the assignment to shut down Kreig.
Together with assistance from Justin Sloggett and Billy Campbell, they were able to limit him to 11 points for the game.
The Magic started strongly and led 22-17 at quarter time.
Tyler Payne and Dane Jensen scored at will inside the key and dominated the rebounds.
Rhys Pryor stepped up in the guard spot.
The second quarter saw the Magic's smothering defence put the Bulls under pressure.
The Magic consistently converted its defensive stops into points at the other end.
Nick Gardiner was injected into the game and had an immediate impact, scoring six points.
The Magic led comfortably 41-25 at half time.
Ryde had some momentum in the third quarter as it started to press on defence.
However, the Magic weathered the storm with a three-pointer from Hayden Cook.
The Magic held a 60-45 lead heading into the final term.
Ryde scored 11 points to Magic's 10, but the visitors won 70-56.
Tyler Payne (15 points, 20 rebounds) and Dane Jensen (19 points) starred for the Magic.
Other standouts were Hayden Cook, Rhys Pryor, Billy Campbell and Isaac Martin.
The Magic will play St George Saints this Sunday at 1pm at the Moss Vale Basketball Stadium.