The Mandurah Magic’s new recruits dazzled in round one but it wasn’t enough for the side to come away with a win against a rampaging Perry Lakes outfit.
Chudier Pal, Shaun Stewart and Jamal Shabazz made their mark on the stats sheet but the team came up short, going down 121-93 at Bendat Basketball Centre.
A slow start hindered the Magic’s quest for a first-up win early on, as their opponents doubled their score at the quarter time break.
Facing a 26-13 deficit, Mandurah responded with a 32-point second period, but the Hawks sunk their claws into the Magic’s defence and still managed to notch their own 34.
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The visitors were able to outscore their hosts in the third, but Perry Lakes went on a sizable run to seal the game down the stretch.
Pal was outstanding for the Magic, shooting an efficient six-of-nine from the field and feasting on the boards for an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Stewart led both teams in scoring in his first outing as a Magic player.
The former Limestone College guard recorded 29 points to go with five rebounds and four assists, while Shabazz was efficient with 23 points, five rebounds and zero turnovers.
Sam Julitz was also productive in the starting five, gathering 10 points and five rebounds.
But the Magic couldn’t slow down Perry Lakes’ big guns, particularly Ben Purser, who finished on 18 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
Lochlan Cummings (24 points) and Ryan Smith (20 points, three rebounds, three assists) were both dominant for the Hawks.
Mandurah will look to bounce back next week as they take on the South West Slammers at the Eaton Recreation Centre.