Mandurah Magic were the big movers in round eight of the Men’s State Basketball League but Lakeside remain top of the ladder after winning a third straight game.

The Magic scored two impressive wins in a tough double-header and kicked off the round with a 94-87 triumph over Willetton at home on Friday.

Taylor Mullenax had a night to remember with 34 points and 14 rebounds as Mandurah won a tight contest.

Things got even tighter the following night, with the Magic forced to come from behind in the fourth quarter to force their game against Perth Redbacks into overtime.

Mandurah won the extra period by a point, prevailing 95-94 in a thrilling contest.

Mullenax was again the star with 27 points and 12 rebounds to spearhead the Magic’s sixth consecutive win, which cemented them as the league’s hottest team.

Lakeside preserved their spot at the top of the ladder with a 108-81 win away to Goldfields, while an undermanned PerryLakes lost ground to their rivals with when they could only win one of their two games in a double-header.

The Hawks scored a comfortable 114-84 win over Stirling on Friday but lost 106-78 at home to East Perth on Saturday with several players missing due to Perth Wildcats commitments.

Geraldton, sparked by a pair of double-doubles each from Robert Kampman and Carter Cook’s hot shooting, moved into the top eight with road wins over Wanneroo (95-76) and Rockingham (91-90).

Stirling’s losing streak stretched to four games when they were beaten 113-103 by reigning champions Cockburn.

South West lost 101-94 to Perth on Friday but bounced back away to Kalamunda, inflicting a 98-90 defeat on the struggling Suns despite a 35-point haul from Luke Nevill.

Kalamunda occupy last place on the ladder with Rockingham just above them following defeats to East Perth (115-85) and Geraldton.

 

Article by Shayne Hope

Photo by Kerry Leeder