IT was always going to be difficult for the Mandurah Magic to overcome the odds and take home a win on the road against tough opposition in Cockburn and Willetton, and the weekend’s fixture proved exactly that.
The Magic went down to the Cougars 115-77 on Friday night before being defeated by Willetton 88-76 on Saturday night.
Against Cockburn, the Magic were blown out from the tip-off to finish, being outscored in every period but the fourth which they won 17-16.
Trevor Setty did his best to counter the Cougars’ strong attack with 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists but the Magic could not quell the influence of Marcus Goode who tallied 26 points and 11 rebounds.
Ben Smith was also strong for the Magic with 20 points and eight rebounds while Taylor Mullenax had a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds.
Chad Simpson notched 14 points off the bench.
The Willetton match was a tighter affair, but the Magic were gradually beaten in the final three quarters and lost the game by 12 points.
The Tigers’ Damien Scott wreaked havoc on the Magic, blazing away for 34 points and 11 rebounds.
Smith did his best to counter Scott with his own huge double-double of 25 points and 19 rebounds.
Setty recorded 15 points, 11 rebounds.
The Magic will look to revitalise their win-loss record when they take on East Perth at the Morley Sport and Recreation Centre this Saturday night.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
