Slammers slump to red hot Eagles

The Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers continued their hot-and-cold start to the SBL season with a 27-point defeat to East Perth on Saturday night.

The Slammers showed glimpses against the unbeaten Eagles at the Morley Sport and Recreation Centre but lapsed either side of the long break to trail by as much as 24 points during the third term.

Despite fighting back to have the margin a more manageable 12 points at three-quarter time, former Perth Wildcat Drew Williamson hit two clutch threes at the start of the last term to cement the Eagles’ advantage.

The visitors were outscored 31-16 in the last quarter on their way to the 119-92 defeat.

After leading the Slammers to an inspirational victory over Mandurah in round three, veteran Lee Smith strained his calf at training before the game and played just seven minutes.

Smith is expected to be available for this weekend’s double header against Willetton and Cockburn.

Clive Weeden finished the night with a double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds for the Slammers, while playing coach Ty Harrelson (18 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists) was also impressive.

Jay Warren scored 19 points and Wade Hitchcock hit 11.

For the Eagles, Williamson had 25 points including five triples, while 211cm centre Tom Jervis scored 22 points and led the court with 15 rebounds.

The Slammers were decimated on the glass, with East Perth leading the rebound count 55-40.

Nikola Donlagic (22 points) and Jarrod Balcombe (13) also had an impact for the Eagles.

The Slammers remain inside the top eight despite the loss but face two paramount contests this weekend against the sixth-placed Tigers away on Friday night and reigning champions Cockburn on Saturday at Eaton.

Meanwhile, an undermanned South West Slammers women also lost 67-55 to the Eagles.

Bianca Donovan (15) and Lauren Jeffers (15) led the scoring for the Slammers.