Clashes against Lakeside Lightning and East Perth Eagles made for a busy weekend of basketball for the South West Slammers’ men’s and women’s sides.
Up against the Lightning at Eaton Recreation Centre, the Slammers’ women’s side was vying for its second win of the season.
With assistance from Alison Schwagmeyer (25 points) and Sydnee Fipps (25), the visitors took the lead shortly after the opening tip-off.
The accurate free throws of Courtney Bayliss (11) and Tori Fisher (19) aided the Slammers in the second term.
Trailing 50 to 54 at half time, the Slammers’ side was determined to make up the deficit.
Shooting two free throws, a jump shot, and a three-pointer in the third term, Ashleigh Grant (19) extended Lakeside’s lead in the third.
Despite a strong performance from Georgia Denehey (18), the Slammers could not stop Lakeside from scoring a 94 to 76 victory.
The Slammers’ men’s side set out to nab its first win of the season against Lakeside.
Powerhouses Michael Lay (23), Demetrius Robinson (20), and Travis Durnin (15) piled on the points.
After leading by 11 at quarter time, the Slammers excelled in the second term thanks to Thomas Harper (9).
Lightning stars John Isenbarger (33) and Michael Garbellini (13) kept their side in contention in the third.
As the Slammers ran out of steam, the visitors delivered a flurry of lay-ups and three-pointers to secure a 94 to 89 win.
The following day, both Slammers teams journeyed north to take on the East Perth Eagles.
Bayliss (17) and Denehey (11) combined to give the Slammers’ women’s squad a three-point lead at quarter time.
Overshadowing the efforts of Eagles Akim Lual (10) and Eryn Fisher (19), the South West side increased its opportunities and extended its lead by half time.
The Slammers then rallied to clinch a 19-point margin at the final change.
Performances from Fisher (16) and Adele East (7) helped the Slammers to a 79 to 48 win.
In the men’s clash, blistering form from Jonathon Morse (scoring a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds) helped the home side to a comfortable lead at quarter time.
Robinson (clinching a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds) and Lay (18) assisted the Slammers in closing the gap to seven by half time.
The Eagles then held a 10 to 11 point margin throughout the third term.
A high-scoring fourth quarter saw the Eagles clinch a 96 to 66 win, leaving the Slammers’ men’s team still without a win in 2018.
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