The first quarter was a back fourth battle as neither team could gain a large lead. There was a total of six lead changes, Bulls forward Nick King put up an impressive eight-point first quarter. The Bulls led the Magic at the end of the first 31-30.
The Magic took the lead to start the second quarter. R.J. Hampton scored 12 points in the quarter, helping the Magic lead by 10 at the 6:15 mark. Magic led 68-54 at the end of the first half.
The third quarter was a close battle, but the Magic didn’t give up their lead. Lakeland big man Robert Baker II had eight points in the quarter. The Bulls had cut the 14-point lead to just one. The Magic maintained their lead 86-85 at the end of the third.
Hampton put on a show with 12 points in the fourth quarter. Despite the Bulls’ best efforts, Zavier Simpson hit a clutch hook shot to put the game into overtime. The fourth quarter ended in a tie of 115-115. Bulls forward Nick King ended the game with a clutch fadeaway for two. The Bulls defeated the Magic 122-117.
Carlik Jones finished with 46 points and 10 assists for the Bulls. Nick King had 28 points and six rebounds.
R. J. Hampton had a team-high 32 points off the bench for the Magic.
The Lakeland Magic (1-2) will face the Windy City Bulls on Saturday, January 7 at the Now Arena at 8:00 PM on NBAGleague.com.