BASKETBALL: Despite a huge effort from superstar player Tre Nichols, the South West Slammers men’s side suffered their second defeat in as many weeks.
Nichols, who was named in the SBL Men’s South All-Star team last week, posted 41 points and five assists but could not get his team over the line as they fell to the Mandurah Magic in a 109 – 106 nail biter.
The Slammers got off to a fast start offensively with a 33-point first quarter but their defence was under pressure from the Magic who posted 34 points.
But a strong second quarter saw them stem the flow of the Magic and take a two-point lead at the half time break.
However, the Magic won the third period by two points, tying the score up at the final break and setting the scene for a big finish.
Unfortunately the Slammers offense slowed in the final quarter as they posted just 19 points to the Magic’s 22.
Ty Harrelson also put up a prolific performance for the Slammers racking up 26 points, six assists and seven rebounds.
Brian Voelkel was also strong on the stats with eight points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
The men have now slipped to third on the ladder with a 12-3 record.
The South West women also suffered a defeat to the Magic, going down by eight points in a spirited match.
Trailing by only one point at the final break, the Slammers let the Magic have a big last quarter where they tallied 28 points to claim the match.
Slammers captain Kate Fielding bounced back from an off-week last time out with 18 points, eight assists and seven rebounds while Patricia Bright continued her good form with 19 points and 16 rebounds.
Next week the Slammers will take on the Stirling Senators in front of a home crowd at Eaton Rec Centre on Sunday.
