The South West Slammers men’s side are now in dire straits after three straight home games to start the season have resulted in three defeats.
The 2015 grand finalists made an excellent start against the East Perth Eagles at Eaton Recreation Centre on Saturday night.
Teny Puot found plenty of the ball and showed good accuracy from outside the arc while Clive Weeden and Tre Nichols (21 points) were both dangerous under the basket.
The Slammer led comfortably at quarter time, 32-17, but the Eagles began to rally in the second term to bridge the margin.
Michael Lay (21 points) did what he could to help the Slammers but at the other end Drew Williamson was on fire for the Eagles, shooting 30 points with more than 50 per cent accuracy.
By the final buzzer, the Eagles had prevailed 86-75.
Next up, the Slammers travel to Warwick to play the Stirling Senators in round four on Sunday, April 9.