Magic A (2-0) fended off a determined Ajax 1 (1-0) to seal a 57-52 win in the women's club autumn league on Tuesday night.
The defending champion led for most of the game, but was given a scare in the final quarter when Ajax fought back and edged in front.
Magic kept its composure under pressure and regained the lead, with Ajax's play becoming messy in the final minutes.
Both sides attacked strongly in a tight first quarter, and Magic led by just two points at the break thanks to dogged Ajax defence and several well-taken rebounds, courtesy of Nat Smith.
Ajax created plenty of attacking opportunities in the second quarter, but relentless defending by Magic prevented Ajax from capitalising on them.
Magic's Suzie Bates was strong on offence, slotting several clinical shots to help her side to a 36-25 lead at halftime.
Ajax made a strong start in the third quarter, and Danielle Calnan's impressive form continued as she racked up 11 points in quick succession to keep her side within two points leading into the final quarter.
Ajax came out firing in the final quarter and led by four points heading into the final stages of the game, but messy play and consistent defence from Magic resulted in the lead changing hands again.
The fast pace of the game resulted in unforced errors from both sides, and the final five minutes featured multiple turnovers as the teams battled for an advantage.
Inaccurate shooting in the final quarter also hindered Ajax's efforts, with the team missing the expertise of Otago Gold Rush player Janet Main.
Magic Captain Grace Leoni was a standout on defence, forcing Ajax into making basic mistakes and poor passes.
In the evening's other games, Ajax 2 beat Varsity Women B 63-40 and Varsity Women A thrashed Falcons A 77-44.
- by Daisy Hudson
