Double defeats at the weekend
The Printsync South West Slammers men’s team suffered consecutive losses against the Lakeside Lightning and Perry Lakes Hawks on Friday and Saturday night.
After putting in one of its worst performances of the season against the Lightning on the road, the Slammers improved markedly against the Hawks.
There was a bitter end to the double-header for inspirational Slammers skipper Michael Lay, who suffered a serious shoulder injury following a collision late in the final quarter against the Hawks.
Slammers team physiotherapist Jodie Testrow confirmed after the game that Lay had damaged his rotator cuff and would be unlikely to play for the remainder of the season.
Lightning d Slammers 113-66
The Slammers were blown away early by the Lightning, who outscored them 40-11 in the second quarter.
Trailing 60-27 at half-time, the visitors tried to get some respectability once the sting had gone out of the game.
Hawks d Slammers 93-87
Triscari’s side responded from the Friday night massacre with a solid showing against a genuine SBL championship contender.
Defensively, the Slammers held ex Perth Wildcats legend Shawn Redhage and current Wildcats forward Clint Steindl to 12 points during the first half.
Gradually, the visitors took control of the match. Their slick offensive ball movement and depth (33-3 bench points) ultimately ensured the win.
Lay took a tumble late in the fourth quarter and was helped off the court clearly in pain.
Post-game, Triscari told the Bunbury Herald that he kept things simple.
“I’m super proud of how the guys played tonight,” he said. “One of the messages I told them pre-game was just to enjoy themselves. Make the Hawks play 24 seconds of defence and only put a shot up late.”
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