Great Britain - Magic for Americans who stole Thunder

From: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
View source article here.

Magic's American duo have hailed the club's thrilling National Cup win as the highlight of their careers.

Guards Matt Miller and John Cagianello joined Jeff Jones' Division One outfit this season with dreams of winning top prizes.

Those dreams came true at Birmingham's Indoor Arena on Sunday with Magic's 85-80 win over Worthing Thunder.

"This why I came to this country and this club," said Cagianello, who played his basketball at Union College in New York, and scored 18 points in an impressive performance against Thunder.

"It feels totally amazing. I played with a small Division Three college side at home in front of small crowds.

"It is something special to win a big event in a great arena in front of a packed crowd."

Miller picked up the most valuable player award for his 20-point, five-assist display.

The point guard star, who played for Bellarmine University in Kentucky, said: "It feels brilliant. This is by far the best moment for me playing basketball.

"It's the first time I have won something since about the seventh grade!"

The two Americans are very much team players, despite their key roles in helping Magic land their first senior trophy.

"I hit a few good three-pointers," added Cagianello. "But I was just glad to help out. It was a team effort."

Miller added: "Worthing are a good team and we had to fight hard to comeback from behind. But we all stuck at it and it was a great win."

Magic play their final National Trophy Pool 1 game, the rearranged fixture against West Herts, at the Amaechi Centre on Sunday (4pm).