Superb efforts from point guard Will McNeill were not enough to lift the Mandurah Magic’s men to victory as they suffered a pair of losses at the hands of Perth and Goldfields over the weekend.
McNeill shone with double-doubles in both games but his efforts went to no avail with side dropping both games.
A Perth side searching for form ahead of the finals proved too much for the Magic on Friday night.
A sluggish start had the Magic behind five at the end of the first quarter and things only got worse in the second, as they slipped to an 18-point deficit at half time.
But as has been the case in season 2017, Mandurah rallied late to finish strong, despite not being able to bridge the gap.
McNeill sparked a run scoring 10 of his total 19 points in the third quarter, helping the Magic even the contest against a Shawn Redhage-led Redbacks.
But Mandurah was unable to damage the lead, falling to Perth 94-70.
McNeill finished the game with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Redhage led the way for Perth with 23 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
The Magic attempted to bounce back in a Sunday game against Goldfields, but despite another strong second half they were unable to come away with the win.
McNeill again led the way for his side, this time opening the game with a bang notching 13 points in the first quarter.
His efforts had Mandurah down by just one of the end of the first, but they were unable to keep pace with the Giants and slipped to a seven-point deficit at half time.
Again it was a spirited second half from the young Magic outfit.
After finding themselves down by 12 points midway through the third term, they were able to rally and cut the lead to five heading into the final quarter.
An early three-pointer from Chad Simpson brought them within two points to start the fourth, and a jump shot from Ruot Pal tied the game with less than five minutes left.
But the Magic were unable to take the lead, finishing with a 69-73 loss.
McNeill finished with an impressive stat line comprising 28 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Akau Deng finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
The Magic play their final game of the season when take on the Stirling Senators at home this coming 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.
