Mandurah Magic men brace for double-header against Lakeside, Willetton | preview

The Magic’s young side has come a long way since the start of the season, and will be searching for some upset results in front of a home crowd in these games.

Mandurah’s close call against Rockingham was their second dose of heartbreak against the Flames this season, and their ensuing loss to Cockburn ensured they would enter their game against Lakeside on Saturday on a three-game skid.

But the Magic’s numbers in the win/loss column don’t necessarily reflect their last few weeks, which have been far more competitive than their start to the season.

The reason for that competitiveness lies with point guard Will McNeill.

His last five scoring efforts have seen him post point totals of 19, 36, 24, 25 and 24.

Over that span he is averaging 25.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists.

Much like the Magic, Lakeside heads into the clash on a three-game losing slide.

Willetton also heads into the game on a loss, but before that they had built a nine-game win streak and you would have to stretch back to round six for their most recent loss.

Their success has been driven by Ray Turner, who is one of the best players in the competition averaging 25.7 points and 11.93 rebounds.

Mandurah played Lakeside in round two and suffered a seven-point loss on the road.

Magic captain Taylor Mullenax posted 34 points but the team couldn’t stop James Padgett who had 22 points and 17 rebounds.

Lakeside’s Devon Atkinson also provided some spark with 25 points and nine assists.

Against Willetton in round one, the Magic took a 14-point loss as Kyle Armour poured in 27 points.

The Tigers were without Turner in that game, while the Magic were without McNeill.

Vs Lakeside

Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Saturday, 8pm

Vs Willetton

Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Saturday, 2pm