Strong efforts from South West Slammers’ men’s and women’s sides failed to hinder Mandurah Magic in round two.
Saturday night marked the Slammers’ first home games for the 2018 State Basketball League season.
Both sides were looking to avenge their first-round losses against Kalamunda Eastern Suns.
Thanks to two consecutive three-pointers, the women’s squad started its clash with promise.
Mandurah, however, maintained control and kept the scores level throughout the first quarter.
An impressive haul from Emma Klasztorny (17) helped Mandurah to level the scores at quarter time.
Assisted by Georgia Denehey (16) and Courtney Bayliss (8), the home side picked up steam shortly before half time.
The Magic excelled during the Slammers’ low-scoring second term.
Undeterred by the speed and accuracy of import Charlotte van Kleef (14), Mandurah’s Anita Brown (22) and Casey Mihovilovich (17) then dominated the second half.
Accurate free-throws from Raya Thompson (11) and Kate Fielding (9) were not enough to stop Mandurah from nabbing a 92 to 73 win.
The Slammers’ men’s side started strongly thanks to Michael Lay (22) and captain Clive Weeden (9). Spurred on by the home crowd, the Slammers held a one-point lead at quarter time.
Mandurah kept up its momentum as Shaun Stewart (20) and Jamal Shabazz (clinching a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds) pushed their side in front before half time.
Trailing 37 to 44 at the main break, the Slammers caught up with help from Demetrius Robinson (14) and Justin Reynolds (11).
Fuelled by captain Chudier Pal (15) and Sam Julitz (17), Mandurah maintained a convincing lead in the fourth term.
As the Slammers’ missed several crucial two-point opportunities, the Magic increased its intensity around the court. The visitors went on to win 82 to 71.
The Slammers’ teams head north to take on Willetton Tigers on Thursday, March 29.
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