McNeill’s 40 points not enough for Magic victory | match report

The Redbacks were without National Basketball League legend Shawn Redhage, but his absence didn’t seem to phase the top-four Perth as a blazing third quarter paved their way to the 21-point win.

Mandurah started the game well going blow-for-blow with the Redbacks.

McNeill scored Mandurah’s first eight points as the Magic were tied with Perth at 15 points half way through the opening quarter.

The all-star point guard would finish the first period with a quick 14 but Mandurah allowed the Redbacks to go on a run late and open a seven-point lead at the first break.

The second quarter saw a more even spread of scoring from the Magic with Fletcher Klasztorny, Ryan Curtis and Andrew Bowman chiming in, but Perth extended their lead to 10 at half time.

The third quarter saw Mandurah blown away as the Redbacks went on a tear to pile 16 more points on their lead, making it unassailable by the final break.

But the Magic, particularly McNeill, refused to give in.

The star import was red hot from the floor in the final quarter, at one point hitting a stunning four consecutive three-point bombs.

He finished with 15 points for period lifting his tally to 40 for the night, but the side was unable to capitalise on his dominance.

It is the second time in just three games that McNeill has tallied 40 or more points, following on from a 42-point effort against Lakeside the previous round.

His shooting statistics for the Perth game were incredible, as he finished with a 76 per cent field goal clip knocking down 16 of his 21 shots.

In news off the court, the Magic have released import Rick Kreklow after he sustained a serious ankle injury earlier this season.

Kreklow will return to the United States for further medical care from specialists.

The Magic remain at home next weekend to take on the Perry Lakes Hawks.