The South West Slammers' Men's side suffered its third consecutive loss of the 2018 State Basketball League season last week.
Heading north to face an in-form Willetton Tigers at home, the Slammers needed to win to keep up with the pack.
After clinching the opening tip-off, the Slammers’ players moved quickly and capitalised on their opportunities.
Demetrius Robinson (13 points) and captain Michael Lay (15) assisted their side in hitting the lead early on.
But It wasn’t long before Willetton caught up. Accurate shooting from Tigers’ captain Kyle Armour (18) helped Willetton take the lead midway through the first term.
The Slammers then fought to come back from an eight point deficit at quarter time.
The home side had other ideas, with Jay Bowie (30) landing several two and three point shots around the court.
While the Slammers failed to capitalise on several offensive rebounds, Willetton extended its lead side to 19 at the main break.
Justin Reynolds clinched a double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds, almost single-handedly preventing the Tigers from walloping the Slammers.
A slew of missed shots and fouls from the Slammers saw the home side maintain a comfortable margin in the second half.
Willetton entertained its fans while running out to a 91 to 75 victory.
Meanwhile, the South West Slammers' women's side's hit-and-miss start to the season continued.
Facing off against Willetton Tigers, the Slammers’ players were confident they could clinch their first win of the season in round three.
Willetton powerhouse Sami Whitcomb (37) was on a high after being named SBL Player of the Week two weeks running.
Whitcomb (37) put her side in front, while captain Zoe Harper (10) maintained her side’s dominance of the first quarter.
Slammers’ import Charlotte van Kleef (23) tested Willetton’s defense to keep her side in the contest.
After trailing by seven at quarter time, Slammers’ stars Georgia Denehey (17) and Courtney Bayliss (16) gave the away side a chance at victory.
The Slammers led by seven at the main break following an impressive second half display.
The home side took back the lead midway through the third term. Desiree Kelley (15) and Tayla Hepburn (18) were spurred on by the home crowd.
Turnovers and fouls from the Slammers helped Willetton to reach a 12-point lead at the final change.
Overshadowing van Kleef and Denehey’s efforts, Whitcomb and Hepburn tested the Slammers’ resolve and extended the Tigers’ lead in the fourth quarter.
Maintaining a comfortable margin throughout the final term, the Tigers went on to clinch a 100 to 80 victory.
The Slammers’ women’s side sits 11th in the SBL standings after three rounds, while the men’s side resides in 13th place.
Both teams will look to reboot and retool ahead of their round four clashes with the Joondalup Wolves.
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