James Murphy
IT was a split weekend for the Millicent Magic men when they faced yet another double header in Round 7 of the Country Basketball League.
A trip to Warrnambool on Saturday produced a tough night with a slightly understaffed Millicent unable to best the Seahawks.
Profits were higher on Sunday when the Magic hosted the Colac Kookas, with a solid win at Peter Seebohm Stadium ensuring they remain in fourth position on the ladder.
Despite a close opening quarter on Saturday night, Warrnambool was able to take control in the second period and get the game on its terms.
Just four points separated the sides at the first change before a 24-11 point second quarter put the Magic down by 17 at half time.
Jack Haggett was again the focal point under the basket for Millicent and he continued to find plenty of the ball throughout the game.
However, Warrnambool went on to win the third quarter as well and heading into the final stanza the Magic faced an impossible 25-point deficit.
The guests did manage to win the last term, but were forced to settle for a 22-point loss.
Haggett’s 35 points was the top score of the night, while Matt Black was the only other Magic player to break into double figures with his 10 points.
Warrnambool’s Riley Nicholson and Matt Rea led the scoring for the home side with 14 points each, while a well-spread performance down the list ensured the Seahawks always had an option under the hoop.
Millicent backed up on Sunday on its home court and put in a solid performance to defeat Colac by 33 points.
A consistent three quarters kept the margin growing throughout the game, before a huge finish sealed the deal.
The first term was relatively even and at the break the Magic were up 23-19.
Millicent kept the scoreboard ticking over with a 22-point second quarter, while the Kookas added just 15 to drop behind.
A 21-point return followed in the third and with Colac held to a slim 12 points, the hosts entered the fourth quarter with a 20-point buffer.
Not taking any chances, the Magic ran away with the game in the last with an impressive 32 points to win the quarter by 13 and the game by 33.
Haggett remained on the frontlines of Millicent’s attack, scoring 29 points for the match.
He was bested by only Colac’s Liam McInerney who had 30, but Haggett was well supported by his team with a list of double-figure scorers.
Frazer and Kade Bradley were both prolific with 18 and 16 points respectively, while Aidan Schultz (13) and Jackson Dean (12) also shot double figures.
After a busy start to the season, playing 11 games in seven rounds, Millicent’s men now enter a prolonged bye.
They will miss the next four rounds and will not return to the court until the new year, with a Round 12 meeting against Hamilton Hurricanes on January 6.
