The Mandurah Magic have drawn first blood in their quarter finals series with the Perry Lakes Hawks after taking Game 1 in front of a packed Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

The Magic led at every change and recorded a 107-96 victory in the best of three series.

The Magic once again started strong and took a 12 point lead into the first change, with big man Taylor Mullenax proving a tough match-up for Hawks centre Corey Easley. Hawks star Adrian Majstrovich loomed dangerous as he drew Magic forward Rhett Della out of the paint and was able to knock down numerous mid range jumpers.

The second quarter was a much more balanced affair as both teams traded baskets, with Mullenax and Majstrovich continuing to lead their teams. The Magic were able to increase the tempo of the game and scored easily from their fast break opportunities.

Foul trouble haunted the Hawks in the third quarter but they were able to mount some resistance and trim the lead at three quarter time. Hawks guard Michael Lay took advantage of some sloppy Mandurah passing, and led the Hawks’ fightback, while Majstrovich proved to be nearly unstoppable on the offensive end.

However Magic guards Taylor Land and Andrew Bowman took control of their team’s offense in the final quarter and were able to not only set up their teammates for easy shots, but score themselves as the Magic kept the Hawks at bay.

“After game one, we know that we have a few adjustments to make and we also know that the Hawks are going to come out and hit us with everything they have,” Magic coach Jason Chalk said.

“We have to do a better job in some areas and maintain what we did really well like pushing the ball.” 

“We are confident we can go to the next step but again we will have to be on top of our game to beat the Hawks,” Chalk said.

League MVP favourite Taylor Mullenax led all scorers in the game with 38 points. Andrew Bowman added 19, while Taylor Land and Rhett Della each had 16 points. The Magic shot 49% from the field and also converted seven from 17 from three point range. The Magic also recorded six more rebounds and eight more assists than Perry Lakes.

Adrian Majstrovich starred for the Hawks finishing with 37 points and 13 rebounds while Michael Lay had 21 points.

The series now moves to the WA Basketball Centre this Friday night for Game 2 and if necessary, Game 3 will take place on Saturday night. The winner of this series will face either the Geraldton Buccaneers, or the Wanneroo Wolves, who currently lead their series 1-0.

Article by Nathan Winch
Photo by Kerry Leeder