MANCHESTER Magic staged an amazing comeback to win their first-ever trophy with victory in the National Cup final.

It looked like Magic's dream was going to end in agonising failure after a disastrous third quarter - which saw them concede 16 unanswered points on the bounce - left them nine points adrift.

But Jeff Jones' battlers fought their way back in a gripping final quarter at the Birmingham National Indoor Arena, and eventually strolled home by five points.

"It wasn't pretty, but we did it," said Jones, who hailed his captain Matt Miller - named the game's most valuable player - as the key man.

The tireless American played all 40 minutes - the only player from either side to do so - and ran the show.

"I have only had one better point guard in 18 years of coaching," said Jones, who ran Manchester Giants and Derby, before talking the Magic helm.

"He is my kind of player - skilful; shoots really well from the outside; passes. He pulled it all together."

Instrumental

Modest Miller, who hit 20 points, said: "I had a good game but I'm self-critical. It was a great team effort and to get the game back after going down was special."

Miller's wasn't the only strong performance. Forward Danny Craven only finished a night shift for the prison service at 8am, while Gavin Smith was "the best he's played for us," according to Jones.

Miller's fellow guards John Cagianello (18 points) and Steven Gayle, who top-scored with 21, were also instrumental in securing a win that looked to have slipped away from Magic.

It was especially sweet for former Worthing player Gayle, who said: "I try not to lose against any of my former teams and I was determined it wasn't going to happen against Thunder.

"I scored a few and missed a few and we kept our heads and fought for it."

Magic made a strong start and, despite some fussy refereeing, held Worthing 42-42 at half-time. But a third quarter where Thunder rained in 26 points to Magic's 17 and physically dominated their opponents, left Jones' team looking ragged. Then the fightback started.

A pair of three-pointers each from Cagianello and Miller closed the gap and Andy Thomson hit free throws, then added another two points, to level things at 76-76 before eventually fouling out.

By then Magic had the edge and had the luxury of a five-point lead as the clock ran down.

"My pep talk at the end of the third must have worked!" said Jones. "I wanted them to be more aggressive and they were. I'm pleased for everyone at the club - the players, the volunteers and the crowd.

"We have got a trophy now - I hope we can add a couple more."

What is your verdict on the match? Have your say.

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