Tudu Magic delivered a blockbuster 48-38 win over Navy in the Accra Basketball League Men’s Division at the Prisons Cantonments despite the absence of enigmatic coach James Okine on the sidelines. Without him, Magic responded in the best way after a poor showing against Air Force that cost the team a loss.
The change in attitude was epitomized by the ferocity Magic chased after and gobbled rebounds. Close to the end of the first half, Navy’s Fred Mawuli drove to the basket but had his effort smothered by a beautiful block by Emmanuel Lamptey to preserve Magic’s eight point lead; Magic led 15-7 at half time.
Magic’s excellent work on the boards from guys like Evans Nuamah and David Gyampong was nearly undone by uncharacteristic turnovers which plagued the team in the third quarter. Navy Guard Amable made the score close late in the game by sinking three consecutive triple point shots.
However, the reintroduction of Ekow Amoako and Nii Koi Kotey seemed to stabilize the team as Magic began playing like they did in the early portions of the game. Backup Guards Derrick Tagoe and Solomon Oppong carried Magic to its second win of the season by converting three point shots apiece.
