The Moss Vale Magic had mixed results with their weekend double header in round 14 of the NSW Waratah Youth League Basketball Competition.
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On Saturday the Magic travelled to the Snakepit in Wollongong to take on the Illawarra Hawks, who they comfortably defeated 75-47 back in Round seven at the Moss Vale Basketball Stadium.
Despite being right in the contest at half time with a 31-29 scoreline, the Magic were no match for the Hawks in the second half and were defeated 67-51 in a low scoring affair.
Top scorers for the Magic were Zac Ottosson with a game high 19 points, Billy Campbell with 11 points and Josh Watts with 7 points.
The Magic then had to back up at home on Sunday afternoon against the Hornsby Spiders, who were fresh after having a bye on Saturday.
Despite missing three key Magic players Connor Wroe, Brad Frost and Dylan Palmer-Quigg, the Magic were able to defeat the Spiders 63 to 60 in a most exciting game at the Moss Vale Basketball Stadium.
The Magic seemed to be in total control with a 34-19 lead at half time however the Spiders came out firing in the third quarter and were able to reduce the margin to just 10 points at 45-35 at three quarter time.
The Magic lost Billy Campbell to an ankle injury midway through the third quarter and the Spiders sensed they could pull off an unlikely comeback win when they closed to within 2 points in the final minute.
However, the Magic were able to steady the ship from the free throw line with Campbell returning to the court to seal the game.
Brandon De Souza knocked down a couple of crucial free throws to give the Magic a three point win and retain their spot in the top 6 on the ladder.
It was great to see the boys bounce back at home today after a very disappointing performance on Saturday against the Hawks.
- Moss Vale Magic coach Kev Campbell
Coach Kev Campbell said he was relieved to get a win at home after the loss to the Hawks on Saturday.
"It was great to see the boys bounce back at home today after a very disappointing performance on Saturday against the Hawks,” he said.
“I am really pleased with our bench players today who really stepped up in the absence of Connor, Brad and Dylan.”
Campbell commended a number of players for stepping up.
“I thought Alex Davenport was outstanding with his rebounding at both ends, Carter Reeves provided us with plenty of spark with his running game, hassling defence and a crucial shot down the stretch,” he said.
“Daniel Field was in everything and probably had his best all round game of the season for us with some strong rebounding, deft passing and a huge blocked shot in the second half that got the crowd excited as well as chipping in with four points of his own".
There was a good even spread of scorers for the Magic on Sunday with Billy Campbell 13 points, Rhys Pryor 10 points, Josh Watts 9 points, Alex Davenport and Zac Ottosson both with 8 points, Brandon De Souza 5 points, Carter Reeves 6 points and Daniel Field 4 points.
The Magic will take on the Camden Valley Wildfire next Saturday afternoon at the Moss Vale Basketball Stadium with tip off time at 5pm.