Perth Redbacks have recorded their fourth win of the 2012 season with a physical 114-103 victory over the Mandurah Magic.

The victory sees the Redbacks sit in second position on the ladder.

Playing with star Adrian Majstrovich, Perth skipped out to an early first quarter lead on the back of nine offensive rebounds. Jarrad Prior was effective early for the Redbacks with some accurate three point shooting which helped the Redbacks out to a ten point lead at the first break.

Prior started the second quarter well and had 15 points to his name early and helped Perth’s lead to reach as much as 12. However the Magic began to run their transition game and on the back of Tom Remmerswaal’s defensive efforts, trimmed the lead to five at half time.

Michael Vigor began to assert his dominance in the low post and ended the half with 15 points and ten rebounds. Remmerswaal was Mandurah’s leading scorer at half time with 13 points.

The third quarter saw the physicality increase as both teams had players diving for the ball on the floor and several hard screens being set. Perth stepped up their half court press and looked to trap Mandurah. Joel Wagner impressed coach David Harris with his efforts on the defensive end, taking charges and causing turnovers.

Remmerswaal proved he could be the danger man for the Magic as his outside shot proved extremely effective. Foul trouble was a problem for Mandurah however as Taylor Mullenax had his fourth foul early in the third quarter, as did fellow import Taylor Land.

A buzzer beater from half court on the three quarter time buzzer from Wagner seemed to sap the energy of Mandurah and gave maintained Perth’s five point lead going into the final quarter.

Mullenax started the fourth quarter well as he and Land proved to be a good combination on Land’s penetration into the key. However Vigor proved to be too much for the Magic defense as both his inside and outside games began to hurt Mandurah. Wagner continued to lead the team with his defensive efforts and an outstanding second half in scoring as he finished with 25 points, despite only having two points at half time.

Vigor finished with a game high 33 points and 19 rebounds. Prior was also solid for the Redbacks as he finished with 21 points. Perth ended the game with five players in double figures.

Remmerswaal and Mullenax both had 27 points for the Magic with both players have 13 and ten rebounds respectively.

“Our defensive rotations were really good and we wanted to make sure Mullenax got all of his points outside of their offensive, which I think we did a really good job of,” Redbacks coach David Harris said after the game.

“We didn’t let them execute their main stuff. Vigor was just huge for us as well,” he added.

Both teams face the improving Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers next week, with the Magic hosting on Thursday night and the Redbacks travelling to Eaton on Saturday night.

In the earlier WSBL match, Perth Redbacks were tested late by Mandurah Magic but recorded a 59-55 victory.

The Redbacks led by 13 points at three quarter time but withstood a late rally by the Magic, who were without head coach Mark Utley due to illness. The Redbacks were also playing shorthanded, missing key player Brooke Hiddlestone.

Marita Payne was outstanding for Perth finishing with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Monique Kickett and Stephanie Sauter chipped in with 11 points apiece.

Mandurah were led by co captain Rachel Halleen who had 17 points. Bree Klasztorny was next best with 13 in a team led by assistant coach Katie Reid.

Article by Nathan Winch at Belmont Oasis
Photo by Marg Prior

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