Magic book place in playoffs

The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic have come from being winless after four rounds to book a place in the ANZ Championship playoffs.

The Magic's 53-43 final round victory over the Queensland Firebirds in Hamilton means they'll host Monday's minor semifinal against the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

The defending champion Firebirds needed to win by a wide margin to stay in the competition.

Magic skipper Laura Langman's crediting the composure they showed after a disastrous start.

"The real key has been we don't get overwhelmed (with) what we've got to do, in terms of who's beating who and what else is going on, we don't really look at the ladder, and I think that's how we really pulled ourselves out of what was a very sticky situation at the start there."

She says it's been a surreal season.

"We certainly got off to a terrible start, that's for sure and I think once we turned things around, changed our processes and really focused on the task at hand, our performance took care of itself."

They're keeping a lid on celebrations and Langman's adamant they're not getting the party poppers out just yet.

"Very, very happy to be in top four but we know it's going to take a lot of energy and we're going to have to step up our performance to ensure we're there right at the end."

Langman says having home court advantage is significant.

"Very happy to have a home semi but we know it's a long road ahead and we've got to come down to get back up for what hopefully will be another three games."

The winner of the minor semifinal will meet the loser of Sunday's major semi between the Vixens and Mystics for a place in the decider.

Photo: Irene van Dyk and Laura Langman (Photosport)