After two heart-breaking losses, the Magic finally picked up the competition points. They led 50-35 at half time and held on to win 83-78.

It was the perfect result to get their season back on track ahead of Sunday’s must-win match against Shoalhaven.

Magic captain Norman Taylor top-scored with 19 points. He was supported by Jason Bentley with 15, Adam Garello 14 and Ricky Martin 11.

Coach Kevin Campbell said the Gibraltar Construction MVP for the game was Adam Garello who helped set up the win with an impressive eight-point second quarter.

The Heat were coming off a convincing 86-68 win at home the previous night and were full of confidence heading into the clash.

But their big home crowd was soon silenced by the Magic who jumped out to an 8-2 early lead after some strong inside baskets from big men Taylor and Peter McFarlane.

Garello was injected into the game midway through the quarter and had an immediate impact scoring with his first touch. The Heat had trouble containing Garello who used his speed and enthusiasm to get the Magic running their fast break game.

Rookie Ben Hayman showed that he also had speed to burn, finishing off a couple of fast breaks as the Magic went to quarter time leading 20-13.

The Magic dominated the second quarter as well to set up a 15-point lead at halftime.

The Heat changed their defensive tactics in the third quarter which troubled Moss Vale.

Martin and McFarlane were left to do the bulk of the scoring as the Heat contained Magic captain Stormin’ Norman Taylor and first half dangerman Bentley.

The 15-point lead at the main break was reduced to only six at three-quarter time and the Magic were looking at another shock-loss.

But Bentley again stepped up for the Magic to steady the ship and together with brother Todd Bentley kept the scoreboard ticking over as the Heat chipped away at the Magic’s lead.

The Heat hit a couple of big outside shots and all of a sudden were only down 76-74 with a minute to play.

However Garello and Bentley were cool under pressure hitting a couple of clutch shots to keep the Heat at bay.

The Heat resorted to fouling in the last 20 seconds to stop the clock but Taylor showed all the experience from his days with the Illawarra Hawks NBL team to hit five out of six free shots and secure the valuable 83-78 win.