Slammers slam Buccs for win

The Collie Crane South West Slammers have cemented top spot after their five-point victory against the Geraldton Buccaneers.

The Slammers shot a phenomenal 38 points in the second quarter, to give them a nine-point lead at the main break, which set up their win.

But the Buccs fought back in the second half, but not enough, with the Slammers going one game clear on top spot, winning 122-117.

The Slammers' Tre Nichols had a birthday finishing with 40 points, while Bennie Lewis, who played all 48 minutes, finished with 36.

Coach Mark Heron said he thought they were in control of the first quarter, and the second quarter was where they lost the game.

"The second quarter, when they played the way they did, we really struggled," he said.

"To allow them to score 38 points was extremely disappointing.

"I think we probably relaxed a bit in certain areas."

Although the Slammers were missing key players, the Buccs were without three of their key eight, with Aaron Ralph, Luke Wrensted and Ike Smith all missing the match.

Heron said they would take a bit out of Saturday night's loss, with some player performances.

He said the Buccs had an off-night in offence.

"We feel we shot the ball quite poorly at times," he said.

"Some of their players had great games, Wade Hitchcock had a blinder.

"Nichols had a hell of a game.

"He made some amazing shots.

"If we had finished off a bit better, then we would've put ourselves in a better position to have won the game."