BASKETBALL: The South West Slammers men will be looking for an improved effort in the first week of the playoffs after a 14 point loss to the Mandurah Magic at the Eaton Recreation Centre on Saturday night.
The two sides were very evenly matched in the first quarter scoring 24 points apiece but came unstuck in the second quarter where they were outscored 26 – 16.
After the half the Slammers showed more fight and matched the magic 28 points each but fell away again in the final quarter posting 20 points to the Magic’s 24.
Trent Worthington (18), Markus Monroe (16) and Clive Weeden (12) top scored for the Slammers in the 102 – 88 point loss.
The win was the Magic’s second in two nights and elevated them to sixth on the ladder.
Other results went the Slammers way to ensure they finished in eighth and qualify for the finals.
The night did not go at all how the Slammers had planned it with the women also falling short against the Magic.
Shooting only seven points in the second quarter hurt the Slammers chances of victory and depite Amy Patton (23) and Lauren Jeffers (13) scoring some solid baskets the team lost 77 – 56.
The loss means the Slammers finish the season in ninth and will not contest the finals.