THE MANDURAH Magic were able to claim an impressive 16-point win over the Goldfields Giants in the NBL1 West over the weekend, with former college talent Sammie Freeman proving a serious force both as a scorer and rebounder.

The Magic are locked in an engaging race for a finals spot, and came into Sunday’s clash at Mandurah Aquatic and Rec Centre with seven wins from 15 games. Their opponent in the Giants sat slightly higher in the standings with eight wins to their name, so this matchup was looming as a potential finals preview.

It was an enthralling battle throughout the first three quarters, with the two teams separated by just a solitary point with 10 minutes to frame and the game capable of going either way. However, the Magic put the foot down in the final frame with a 32-17 quarter to put the game to bed and finish in style en route to a crucial win for their season.

Freeman continued his impressive campaign with another huge double-double, which shows his consistency given he averaging double-digits in both the points and rebounds column on the season.

Mandurah Magic (93) def. Goldfields Giants (77)

Sammie Freeman – 17 points, 16 rebounds, one assist, one block

Freeman was again among the heavy hitters as the Magic kept themselves right in the hunt for a postseason appearance by knocking off a fellow finals hopeful and showing how dangerous they are at home.

Freeman got himself off the mark with a pair of defensive rebounds in the opening minutes of the contest, before hitting the scoreboard with a nice turnaround jumpshot over a smaller opponent to physically impose himself on the match. The import showed exactly why he needs to be contained on the glass, nailing a tip-in putback to cap off a strong start to the match.

It was a quiet second frame for Freeman and the Magic overall, as the Giants began to take control of the contest with plenty of success scoring the basketball. Mandurah fell behind on the scoreboard and trailed by seven points at the main change.

Freeman was a massive driving force in the third quarter resurgence from the Magic, getting the team moving offensively with a trio of early inside makes in the first couple of minutes of the second half, including back to back tip-ins once again. He then swatted Shaun Stewart‘s attempted layup down the other end to keep Mandurah’s momentum rolling, and helping the home side to a one-point buffer at three-quarter time.

His dominance on the glass ensured that the Magic kept control of the contest in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, getting first hands on the ball on both ends of the floor and keeping his score ticking over in the process. He nailed a crucial dunk with a couple of minutes to go to put his side up by seven points, before nailing a pair of free throws to round out the game nicely.

It was another excellent performance from Freeman, who again showed why he is one of the most damaging frontcourt players in the NBL1 West Men’s posting another 17 points and 16 rebounds in a crucial display for the Magic.