The South West Slammers men’s side have claimed their first victory of the year with a nine point win over the Rockingham Flames on Thursday night.
After four straight losses to open the season, the Slammers finally broke their 2017 drought with a low-scoring 74-65 win at the Mike Barnett Sports Complex.
Import Brian Voelkel was a driving force behind the win in his second game for the side, after a delayed return to the game earlier in the season.
The Flames got out to a 15 point lead in the second term, but the Slammers were able to work hard and bring it back, holding onto the lead for the final siren.
A disappointing first quarter for the South West Slammers cost the women’s side their third win as they went down to the Flames by just eight points.
Exceptional rebounds and impressive shooting resulted in double-doubles from Courtney Bayliss and Brittany Hodges but it wasn’t enough to fight back, going down to the Flames 72-64.
Tori Dugan also made an impression with a number of rebounds and ten points, before she limped off the court with a knee injury.
The Slammers kept up with the home side in the second and final quarters, and even won the third term by a point but they couldn’t catch up on the scoreboard after they let the Flames get away.
The women’s side again shot poorly, averaging just 32 per cent of their field goals, and 22 per cent from outside the arc.
The Slammers will host the Mandurah Magic on Saturday night.