The Mandurah Magic’s women made it a red-hot four wins from four outings when a show of dominance from new centre Carly Boag saw them cruise past Cockburn for an 85-61 victory.
Just six days after Mandurah’s Nici Gilday claimed player of the week honours, Boag threw her name into the mix for the round five award with game-highs of 23 points and 13 rebounds, a whopping eight of which came on the offensive glass.
The Women’s National Basketball League champ also chipped in three assists and three steals.
The Magic hit the ground running in the opening half, taking a commanding lead early to set up their five-game road trip.
They were able outscore the Cougars by 23 in the first two quarters, taking a 51-28 lead into the long break.
Their bench unit was able to provide some spark in the second half, but the Cougars were able to at least even the game as Mandurah finished 24-points in front.
Gilday finished the night with 18 points, six rebounds and four assists while Casey Mihovilovich (13 points, seven assists, three rebounds) and Rachel Halleen (12 points, five assists, three rebounds) were productive on the stat sheet.
Mandurah’s unbeaten run to start the year becomes an even brighter light for the side considering they have played just one home game so far.
They will need to keep up their winning form on the road over the coming weeks as they travel to the South West, Joondalup, East Perth and Perry Lakes before returning home for a clash against Rockingham on May 13.
In total, the Magic will have played just the one home game in their first eight matches.
They have already won half of those first eight, setting them up for what will be a second half of the season littered with games at the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre.
Of their final 14 games, 10 will be at home.
The challenge now becomes maintaining their hot form.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
