JEFF Jones has called for his Manchester Magic stars to step up after suffering their first consecutive defeats of the season.

The Magic coach saw his team lose their EBL Division One home game to title rivals Worthing Thunder 100-93 in overtime on Saturday night.

That followed the National Trophy loss to West Herts at the Amaechi Centre last weekend.

And, though Magic pulled off an expected league win at struggling Kings Lynn yesterday by 101-71, Jones knows things will have to improve if the club are to add to their National Cup final triumph of earlier this month.

"It was a much better effort against a much better team," said Jones after the frustrating loss to Worthing.

Magic clawed their way back into contention in the final quarter, overturning an 11-point deficit in the last couple of minutes to set up overtime.

Character

But it slipped away from them during the extra five minutes and Jones added: "We showed great character to pull it back, but it was not enough. Now we need to focus, and kick on.

"It's not going to be easy and we have had some wins against soft teams so far. We will have to get after it and see what we are made of."

Jones wants particular improvement from his forwards.

The guards dominated scoring again against Thunder, local hero Steve Gayle top-scored again with 32 and Jones said: "The big guys have got to get better and step up physically.

"The guards are doing it for us, but we need to see those three-point plays from the forwards as well."

It isn't all doom and gloom, though.

Defeat to Worthing was only Magic's second in the league and the win at Kings Lynn, which Jones described as comfortable, keeps them at the right end of the table.

Jones, who has already said he won't add to his roster, added: "Championships aren't won in January.

"We are getting to the crux of the season and just have to keep working hard to ensure we stay in there."

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

Tweet