Magic, Lions close on playoffs after both win

Both Mid City teams have taken big steps towards securing playoff spots.

Wins to the Magic and Lions on Saturday boosted both towards a top-four finish in Dunedin men’s club basketball.

They would join the St Kilda Saints, who also won and had clinched top spot two weeks ago.

The defending champion Magic backed up last week’s big win over the Lions with a 103-84 victory to snap the Andy Bay Falcons’ four-game winning streak.

It was more evidence this Magic team is coming into form after a handful of mid-season losses.

Magic guard Mitchell Hughan proved key in the second half.

After a fairly even first half, the Otago Nuggets development player helped the Magic gain separation.

He came to life late in the third quarter to give his side a 74-64 three-quarter time lead.

He then hit twice from deep to start the fourth quarter, quickly extending the margin to 20 points.

While the Falcons were able to stem that flow, it proved to much to overcome.

Hughan finished with 27 points, while backcourt partner Josh Reeves was key throughout with 26 points — including five three-pointers.

Hamish Robertson top-scored for the Falcons with 16.

The result takes the Magic to seven wins, while the Falcons remain on five.

They can lock up the final playoff spot with a win over Varsity (four wins) next week.

That comes after the Lions’ 96-64 win over the students.

Varsity stuck with the Lions throughout the first half and went into halftime down 42-31.

However, a 34-16 third quarter took the game away from the students.

Forward Nathan Hanna was key through that period and had 25 points as he continued his strong season.

Dallas Hartmann added 17 points, while Lee Devereux hit five three-pointers to finish with 16.

The win takes the Lions to six wins and the brink of playoff qualification.

In the final game, the Saints rebounded from their first loss of the season with a 95-78 win over the City Rise Bombers.

The Saints led 18-2 early and, while the Bombers initially came back, they could not stick with the front-runners.

Jack Andrew had 27 points for the Saints, while Olly Smith poured in 29 for the Bombers.

Three games remain until playoffs, although the competition takes a break next week as Dunedin hosts the national under-17 championships.