Mandurah Magic backed up their Friday night victory over the defending champions Australian Belt Scrapers Wanneroo Wolves with a comfortable 104-85 victory over the Kalamunda Eastern Suns on Saturday night.

The victory ensures Mandurah remain undefeated at home and sees them move into third spot on the ladder with six wins and two losses.

As has been their style of play this season, the Magic looked to run the Suns off the floor early and took an early double digit lead on the back of Taylor Land running the fast break.

The Suns remained close through Greg Palmer who looked ominous from long range, and Justin Brown who used his height advantage effectively in the low post. Matthew Smith was also busy for the Suns early but couldn't convert on the scoreboard.

The Suns continued to struggle from the field as Mandurah took advantage through the shooting of Tom Remmerswaal who continued his impressive early season form. Despite a quiet first term, Taylor Mullenax also found his shooting touch to help the Magic take an eight point half time lead.

The third quarter was relatively even as the game became much more physical. The Suns visited the free throw line 14 times in the third quarter while Mandurah did not make an appearance. However poor field goal shooting prevented the Suns from trimming the lead back and trailed by nine at the final change.

That was as close as Kalamunda could get as the Magic poured on 28 final quarter points to take the victory. Mandurah shot 51% from the field in comparison to the Suns’ 38%. It was also another great night in the assists category for the Magic with 30.

The Magic were led by imports Mullenax and Land who both top scored with 24 points. Mullenax also contributed 13 rebounds while Land had seven. Remmerswaal chipped in with 21 points and 11 boards.

For the Suns, Justin Brown top scored with 22 points and he also had 16 rebounds. Greg Palmer was also solid for the team with 20 points.

“We had some tired boys after the victory over the Wolves but they backed it up really well tonight,” Magic coach Jason Chalk said after the game.

“The Suns really pushed us all night but I am very pleased to be two from two over the weekend.”

In earlier women’s action the Suns continued Mandurah’s miserable start to the season with an 85-73 victory. The loss sees the Magic remain winless in 2012, while the Suns recorded their second victory for the season.

Rachel Mueggenborg was outstanding for the Suns as she top scored with 25 points, as well as recording five assists and six steals. Kalamunda connected on 12 three pointers for the night, which proved to be the difference in the end as Mandurah didn’t make any shots from beyond the arc.

The Magic were led by captain Gemma Thomas with 22 points, as they took to floor without co-captain Rachel Halleen who was injured during Friday night’s game against Wanneroo.

Next week’s fixtures sees the Magic hosting the Cockburn Cougars on Saturday night. The Suns return home to host the Stirling Senators on Friday night, and then face the difficult task of back to back double headers when they head to the WA Basketball Centre to face the Perry Lakes Hawks on Saturday night.

Article by Nathan Winch
Photo by Serene Maisey (PandaSnap Photography)