NBL1 West 2023: Two more defeats, but promise for Slammers men’s team

The South West Slammers men’s team might have dropped both games in their double-header against Lakeside Lightning and Joondalup, however, Shane Goff’s side showed glimpses of making a run for the finals later in the year.

Canadian import Ben Stevens’ hustle at both ends of the floor was a real highlight, while Clive Weeden dazzled Slammers fans during Saturday night’s home loss against the Wolves.

Friday night — Lakeside Lightning 100 (Kyle Armour 31 points, Dominic Jackson 15) d South West Slammers 84 (Ben Stevens 26, Manyiel Wugol 19) at Lakeside Recreation Centre

A costly second quarter at the Lakeside Recreation Centre hurt the Slammers, who were outscored 28-18 by a fired-up Lightning side.

Despite having a quiet first half offensively, Stevens (26 points, nine rebounds) worked his way into the contest, making a series of heads-up plays at both ends of the floor.

Stevens received the NBL1 West Anzac Medal after the clash, which was awarded because of his leadership and qualities embellishing the Anzac spirit.

The Slammers got to within eight points midway during the final quarter, and looked capable of stealing the game, however, the Lightning — led superbly by Kyle Armour — orchestrated a late 7-0 offensive run to put the result beyond doubt.

Keeper stats

Field goals (Lightning 25/43, Slammers 27/44); three-point attempts (Lightning 11/29, Slammers 7/26); free-throw attempts (Lightning 17/22, Slammers 9/14); total rebounds (Lightning 44-30 Slammers); assists (Slammers 19-16 Lightning); steals (Lightning 8-all Slammers); turnovers (Lightning 17-15 Slammers); fouls (Slammers 17-16 Lightning).

Saturday night — Joondalup Wolves 99 (CJ Turnage 28, Quintin Dove 27) d South West Slammers 74 (Ben Stevens 16, Clive Weeden 16)

Diehard Slammers fans could have been forgiven for thinking Weeden had used a time machine before the clash, as the beloved centre wound back the clock in this vintage performance.

With Weeden (who had six points early in the opening term) pulling the strings inside the paint, the Wolf Pack were forced to dig deep early, with their usual mojo from beyond the arc noticeably lacking.

Leading by 13 points at the final change, Wolfpack duo CJ Turnage (28 points, 15 rebounds) and Quintin Dove intensified their presence under the offensive glass, which ultimately was the difference between the two sides.

The Slammers were without import Buay Tuach for the clash, who was recovering from a corked leg picked up a night earlier against the Lightning.

Keeper stats

Field goals (Wolves 35/60, Slammers 16/39); three-point attempts (Slammers 10/34, Wolves 5/16); free-throw attempts (Wolves 14/23, Slammers 12/22); total rebounds (Wolves 57-36 Slammers); assists (Wolves 23-12 Slammers); steals (Wolves 11-8 Slammers); turnovers (Slammers 16-all Wolves); fouls (Slammers 20-all Wolves).