Worthing Magic's defensive gamble paid off as they extended their perfect WNBL south record into the new year.

Magic took just six players to Oxford but targeted the hosts' weakness at point guard from the start and scored the first nine points of the contest on their way to a hard fought 76-67 success.

It was 21-12 at the first break and up to 45-30 by the half as all Magic players chipped in.

Helped by eight points from Christie Rourke, Magic were close to putting Oxford out of sight in the third as they continued the pressure to go up 63-47.

The hosts then realised they had the two tallest players in the match and, as Magic tired, clawed their way back to just 69-67 down with two minutes to play.

A couple of strong drives from Katrina Saunders, resulting in three out of four free throws, finally killed off the contest.

Magic, now 7-0 in the league, re-start their campaign on January 11 at Southend.

Magic: Kirsty Dallas 26, Sarah Cooper 18, Christie Rourke 15, Lynne Powell 8, Katrina Saunders 5, Louise Waghorn 4.