Saints gritty but Magic’s class tells in opener

Falcon player Alex Yarnall gets up a shot despite the attention of University duo Sam Seelan (obscured) and Harri Deacon. His team-mate, Lawrence Kim, hovers in support during the senior men’s basketball game at the Edgar Centre on Saturday. PHOTO PETER MCINTOSH

The three-time defending champion showed its pedigree early as men's club basketball began at the Edgar Centre in Dunedin on Saturday.

It held off a gritty St Kilda Saints side to win 72-62 in a repeat of last year's final.

The Magic, which was without Otago Nuggets duo Josh Aitcheson and Richie Rodger, was in punishing form early.

It opened up a 20-4 lead and, while the Saints pegged back the deficit to four points at various stages, it proved an insurmountable headstart.

Point guard Joe Ahie was influential for the Magic, while Aaron Roydhouse controlled the paint well.

Ahie showed his ability both as a scorer and playmaker, finishing with a game-high 21 points.

Indeed many of the Saints’ best patches came when Ahie was off the court in foul trouble.

Tai Porima-Flavell (10 points) and Mitch Hughan (13 points) showed their ability from deep early.

However, the Saints clawed back after falling behind.

They turned to a bigger line-up which proved effective, while guard James Ross (20 points) began to ignite the offence.

That took the score to 27-16 at the first break, a gap which soon fell to single digits.

However, every time the Saints threatened to pull back, the Magic responded with a run of its own.

The Magic led 39-31 at halftime and 53-47 heading into the final quarter.

Ahie closed the game out. He scored his team's final eight points to cap a classy display.

In the early match the Andy Bay Falcons pulled away to beat Varsity 84-58.

A third-quarter run brought Varsity to within six. But the Falcons regained control and conceded just seven fourth-quarter points.

Paden Kennedy and Alex Murray top-scored for the Falcons with 12 points each, in a balanced scoring effort.

Meanwhile, newcomer Joseph Euphrat had 25 points for Varsity, at times keeping his side in the game with his shooting.

In the late game, Olly Smith top-scored with 21 points as the City Rise Bombers beat the Magic Lions 75-61.