James Murphy
THE equation is simple for the Millicent Magic men heading into tomorrow’s final minor round of South West Country Basketball – win and they play finals.
The Magic hit the road for a long journey over to Torquay for a Round 16 meeting with Surfcoast Chargers.
They enter the match in fifth position by percentage alone, but having played one less game a win will push them above Portland and into the four.
Based on form Millicent should have the Chargers covered, with the host team sitting bottom with just three wins for the season.
Boosted by the return of young talents Jackson Bowden and Jack Haggett from state duties, coach Darren Dean will look forward to a deeper roster.
On the weekend Kade Bradley was the only starting-five player to lineup for the Magic against ladder leader Ararat, but a hearty performance kept the deficit to a respectable 24 points.
Speaking to The Border Watch earlier this week, Dean hoped to secure a few more experienced players for the road trip.
Last time Millicent played Surfcoast it claimed a commanding 64-point win with a near full-strength roster.
Bowden and Haggett top scored in that clash with 30 and 27 points respectively, while Bradley had 25.
That trio alone should give the Magic enough firepower to get the job done, while the youngsters in the ranks have proven capable against bigger foes in recent weeks.
Millicent should return home with the win and with it a place in next week’s finals.
