ABA 2025-26: Magpies edge out Owls in thriller to reach preliminary final as Sonics surge into grand final

Denmark Magpies have kept their premiership dream alive, edging out Barking Owls in a nailbiting elimination final to book a spot in the Albany Basketball Association men’s A-grade preliminary final. In a game that went down to the wire, the Magpies held their nerve in the last moments to secure a 43-39 victory, with the two sides locked in a fierce contest in the second half. The Owls carried a narrow 21-17 lead into half-time, but the Magpies responded after the break taking away the margin before the game tightened into a point-for-point battle. The final minutes were tense, with the teams separated by just one score with three minutes remaining on the clock. The battle in those final moments were intense with both teams fighting it out on the court before the Magpies edged ahead with multiple free throw opportunities. Luke Schober sealed the result from the free throw line with just 15 seconds remaining, securing the win for the Magpies. Owls’ Harrison Sedgwick hit a late two for Owls but his side were eliminated from the title race. Ryan Hick led the way for the Magpies with 19 points, including three triples, while Sam Finigan (eight points) also proved influential with several key baskets to help take Denmark to victory. Justin Benson was a stand-out player for the Owls with 18 points, including three shots from long range while Sedgwick (nine) and Sam Holmes (10) were also busy. William Roocke was fouled out in the second half adding further pressure for the Owls. The Magpies will now face Railways Tigers in the preliminary final at 6pm next Tuesday with a grand final spot on the line. Meanwhile, Sonics secured a direct path to the grand final after defeating the Tigers 57-43 in the qualifying final. The contest was fought hard early before Sonics broke the Tigers with a 10-point scoring run in the first half helping them to a 30-20 lead at the half-time break. The second half saw the competition getting fierce with Sonics’ Ethan Richards and Tigers’ Drew Wilcocks fouled out. Mark Elentorio starred for Sonics with 18 points and was well-supported by Kayden Collins (10) while Eli Eaton led the Tigers with 15 points. Sonics will now await the winner of the Magpies and Tigers as their grand final opponent.