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Without three of their regular starting five, Kevin St. Kitts, Sean McKie and Jon Linsley, the Magic travelled to Southampton to take on the Solent Stars.

They started well, with Wayne Mulgrave and Sergio Lara-Bercial leading the way and ended the first quarter level at 31-31. Unfortunately, the game was lost for them in the last 6 minutes of the second quarter, when they conceded 17 points without reply, to end the first half down 55-38.

Despite their best efforts, they could not close the gap and were eventually beaten by 15 points. A valiant last-quarter effort, including two 3 pointers from Lara-Bercial and ten points from Mulgrave, was not quite good enough.

Coach Jeff Jones was upbeat about the result, pleased with the way his weakened team had performed and philosophical about the disastrous end to the second quarter.

Next outing for the team is this Saturday, the 26th Jan. at the George H. Carnall Centre in Urmston. Tip-off 7.00p.m.

Opponents are Conference leaders and National Trophy winners Teesside and a close and exciting game is expected.

Magic Top Scorers: Wayne Mulgrave: 24. Sergio Lara-Bercial: 20. Matt Hogarth: 12.