Trevor Jackson
IT was a tough slog for the Millicent Magic men as they claimed a hard-fought victory in Round 13 of the Country Basketball League season on Sunday.
The Magic crossed the border to face Warrnambool and were met with a hot Seahawks roster, along with stifling temperatures.
Millicent jumped out of the gate and helped set up the win with a strong opening term, to take an eight-point advantage to the first break.
The Seahawks hit back in the second term but could only close the margin by two points.
The Magic stretched the margin further in the third term but then had to hold off a fast-finishing Warrnambool down the stretch.
Despite the home side having the better of the final term to the tune of six points, Millicent had done enough to claim the 71-67 victory in the trying conditions.
Kade Bradley found his range, with 26 points, while Jackson Bowden and Jack Haggett both contributed 13.
Coach Darren Dean said the conditions were trying, describing the stadium as like an oven.
However, he said the good start was what set the game up.
“We talked about a strong start – the last time we played them we were off to a good start, were up by 10 points and ended up winning by six, so we knew they would come hard,” he said.
“We got off to a good start and put a bit of pressure on early.
“I think we were out to an 8-0 lead and that set us up with some good momentum.
“Then we just tried to hang tight and keep that momentum going.”
Warrnambool tried everything to break the Magic, including a zone defence which backfired.
“In the third they switched their defence to a zone and Kade Bradley was hot shooting threes,” Dean said.
“He had six for the game and only missed one three.
“His offence and defence was really good and he competed hard all game.
“As much as he doesn’t like coming off the court, I had to rest him a few times in the heat.”
Dean was also impressed by the young pair of Jackson Bowden and Jack Haggett, who both contributed 13 points.
“They were tired – they had five hours training with their state club in Adelaide Friday, then four hours of state training Saturday, so it was a huge effort by those two,” he said.
“Jackson’s defence was excellent.
“He curbed the hot hand of Adam Lawson towards the end of the game and was able to stop him getting threes up in the second half of the last quarter.”
Along with those efforts, Dean said it was simply a strong effort from the whole roster, with the heat taking its toll but his players were certainly up to the challenge.
The Magic will now prepare for a clash with Terang at home on Saturday.
