The South West Slammers were outmatched by the in-form Stirling Senators in round 10 of this year’s State Basketball League season.
Both Slammers’ teams needed to win to remain in finals contention.
The home side hit the lead in the first quarter thanks to impressive efforts from Senators’ captain Amber Land (clinching a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds).
Despite being helped by Courtney Bayliss (17 points, 11 rebounds), the Slammers missed several opportunities shortly before quarter time.
Charlotte van Kleef (23) and Georgia Denehey (10) kept their side engaged throughout the second term.
Emma Berryman (17) and Janee Johnson (17) then helped Stirling secure a 12-point lead at the main break.
Free throws from van Kleef and Tayah Burrows (9) shrunk the margin before three-quarter time.
Stirling dominated the final term and ensured an 89 to 73 win.
The Slammers men’s team was eager for its fourth win of the season.
Brandon Thompson (33) helped the visitors take the lead in the first term.
Senators Cody Ellis (32) and Caleb Davis (20) took control and put Stirling ahead by quarter time.
Overshadowing the efforts of Slammers Clive Harvey-Weeden (13) and Brian Voelkel (11), Stirling’s Robert Anshila (11) kept his side in front.
Trailing by 14 with two quarters to go, the visitors needed to re-group.
Senators Justin King (19) and captain Corban Wroe (9) then obliterated the Slammers’ defence throughout the third term.
Leading by 41 at three-quarter time, the Senators were in a comfortable position.
As fatigue kicked in for the Slammers, Stirling cruised to a 129 to 76 victory.
The Slammers’ women’s side sits ninth on the 2018 ladder, while the men’s side resides in 13th place.
The men’s side will head north to face Geraldton in round 11.
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