Round seven of the State Basketball League proved a dour weekend for the Mandurah Magic women, who suffered a shock home loss to Perth on Friday night before going down to Willetton on Sunday.
The loss to what was a winless Redbacks was a bitter pill to swallow, with a sluggish first half hurting the home side's chances.
The underdogs landed the first blow outscoring the Magic by three in the first quarter, and eventually led by 15 at half time after connecting with a haymaker in the second quarter.
Emma Klasztorny scored a couple of early baskets in the second half to try and will the side back into action, but the lead was out to 19 at the end of the third.
Mandurah conjured a spirited response with a never-say-die attitude in the fourth, restricting the Redbacks to just six points at they trimmed 13 off the margin.
But it was too little, too late as they fell to Perth 65-71.
Delany Junkermier topped the scoring for Mandurah with 12 points, while Regina Palusna went for 10 points, six rebounds.
The Magic looked to bounce back against Willetton on Sunday, but again a slow start crippled them as they lost 64-52.
The Tigers pounced early to take a 36-21 advantage into half time, before some stout defence from Mandurah cut the lead to just nine points entering the final change.
Unfortunately the Magic weren't able to keep pace with their opponents down the stretch, as the fourth-placed Willetton carved out a victory.
Carly Boag provided a bright light for Mandurah as she continues to work her way back from injury, going for 19 points, 11 rebounds, five steals and three blocks in 27 minutes off the bench.
The Magic will look to recuperate during their upcoming bye week.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
