The Perth Redbacks’ Men’s State Basketball League team got their playoff campaign off to a dramatic start with a 114 to 91 away-game win against Mandurah Magic.

Magic came out of the blocks quickly to establish an early 16 to 10 lead, but the Redbacks steadily fought back to level the scores at 31 each by the end of the first quarter.

The Redbacks secured the lead one minute into the second quarter and were in front 56 to 51 at half time.

It was in the third quarter where the Redbacks established control over the game outscoring their opponents by 13 to establish an overall lead of 18, which in the last quarter they extended to the eventual winning margin of 23.

A major factor was the 34 points scored by the Redbacks’ players coming off the bench compared to Magic’s four points, along with the nine turnovers committed by the Redbacks compared to Magic’s 19.

Forward Stan Okoye top scored for the Redbacks with 29 along with 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocked shots.

Power forward Lee Roberts scored 21, brought down 16 rebounds and had four assists while shooting guard Jarrad Prior, coming off the bench, had 16 points at a field goal percentage of 60 along with four steals, two assists and three rebounds.

Point guard Joel Wagner scored 13 and had five assists while centre Dennis Tawhiti also had 13 points along with five rebounds.

Magic’s Taylor Mullenax was their top-scorer with 27 while Ben Smith scored 16 and Rhett Della Maddalena 14.

The next game in the best of three playoff series will be played at the Redbacks’ home venue of Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre at 7.30PM this Friday.

Redbacks’ Media