Mandurah Magic women win thriller against Joondalup Wolves

Facing a fired up Joondalup Wolves team out for redemption against a Magic side that thumped them a month ago, Mandurah was able to turn things up a notch in the final minutes to squeak by with a 63-60 win.

Holding the lead with two minutes, 44 seconds on the clock, the Magic gave up a series of fouls that saw Joondalup’s Klara Wischer cut the margin to just one.

The Magic would go on to miss a string of shots in the closing stages, but their defence willed them to a win.

With Joondalup knocking down the door, Casey Mihovilovich pinched a desperately needed steal with 1:44 on the clock.

After the Magic again missed their chances on the offensive end, it was Jemma Gatti who put in a consecutive pair of big time defensive plays to keep the Wolves at bay.

Gatti entered the game late replacing star centre Carly Boag, but showed no nerves collecting a steal with 46 seconds left and then getting a fingertip to a ball that would have resulted in an open shot for the Wolves on the ensuing possession.

Both plays kept the Wolves from possibly taking the lead.

Joondalup still had possession and a chance for a go-ahead basket but a monster play from Emma Klasztorny gave the Magic the ball with 15 seconds left.

The Wolves had no choice but to foul, sending star Magic import Gilday to the line who seemed to effortlessly knock down the high-pressure free throws, leading Mandurah to victory.

Throughout the game, Kasey Miegel consistently impressed with strong work on defence, while Boag was a force in scoring and rebounding with 17 points and 11 boards.

Mihovilovich continued her outstanding form over the past few weeks with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.

The Magic are back at it again tonight, taking on Kalamunda at the Ray Owen Sports Centre.