Stunning Slammers stop Lightning strike

The Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers sprung the upset of the season on Friday night when they toppled perennial powerhouses Lakeside 84-79 at Eaton Recreation Centre.

The victory over the previously unbeaten Lightning sent a message to the competition and ensured the Slammers’ impressive home record of four wins from four games remained intact.

Known for their prowess from beyond the arc, Lakeside was outgunned by the home team, which shot triples at 42 per cent, compared to the visitors’ nine of 39.

But the joy of the stunning triumph was short-lived when the Slammers crashed 114-84 at Wanneroo on Saturday night.

The Slammers finished the weekend inside the eight with a 4-4 win-loss record.

Clive Weeden played his best game in South West colours on Friday with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds.

He also watched Lakeside star Jarrad Prue closely.

Prue finished the night with 22 rebounds but, incredibly, could have had more.

Prue and Benjamin Beran (17 rebounds) swooped on the boards to give their team 22 second chance points, but despite dominating the glass, the Lightning’s score of 79 was their lowest for the season.

Jay Warren scored 23 points for the Slammers.

On Saturday night, Warren helped himself to a game-high 27 points but it was not enough to save his team, who trailed at every change on their way to the heavy defeat.

Meanwhile, the South West Slammers women’s team got its season back on track with two wins — a 63-53 defeat of Lakeside and a 73-64 triumph over Wanneroo.

Slammers’ import Kim Sitzmann scored 60 points for the weekend.