NBL1 West 2023: Slammers men’s team let double-header slip against Cougars and Eagles

The South West Slammers men’s team had another frustrating weekend, dropping consecutive games against the Cockburn Cougars and East Perth Eagles. Friday night — Cockburn Cougars 125 (Courtney Alexander 30 points, Josh Hunt 17) d South West Slammers 87 (Buay Tuach 20, Ben Stevens 15) at Wally Hagan Stadium American import Courtney Alexander single-handedly tore the Slammers apart at Wally Hagan Stadium, who struggled to deal with his superior athleticism. Alexander, who spent time in the NBA G-League, wowed onlookers with an impressive medley of monster dunks, hustle at both ends of the glass and heads-up offensive plays. After keeping pace with the home side early in the first quarter, the Slammers faded late, spotting the Cougars a 6-0 offensive run. With a handy lead in their back pocket, Alexander went to work and showcased why experience can so often be the difference between victory and defeat at NBL1 West level. For the Slammers, Buay Tuach top-scored with 20 points, while Canadian import Ben Stevens (15 points, 10 rebounds) finished with a double-double. Keeper stats Field goals (Cougars 38/52, Slammers 22/53); three-point attempts (Cougars 12/23, Slammers 11/31); free-throw attempts (Cougars 13/15, Slammers 10/15); total rebounds (Cougars 44-35 Slammers); assists (Cougars 28-21 Slammers); steals (Cougars 11-10 Slammers); turnovers (Cougars 16-all Slammers); fouls (Cougars 17-15 Slammers). Saturday night — East Perth Eagles 103 (Sebit Reath 34, Taylor Young 22) d South West Slammers 75 (Buay Tuach 26, Ben Stevens 16) at Eaton Recreation Centre The Slammers were made to pay for a costly second quarter lapse offensively, which allowed the Eagles to take control of the game and record their first win of the season. Heading into the second term, the home side had started brilliantly inside the paint, sinking eight shots from their first 11 attempts. Sadly, this trend did not continue, with Shane Goff’s side losing their mojo for the remainder of the half, shooting 1/10 inside. These offensive yips, coupled by the visitors’ ability to clog things up defensively because of their exceptional height and physique, extinguished any hope of a Slammers victory. Tuach and Stevens again finished with double-doubles for the hosts, while youngster Pharell Keats displayed plenty of speed up and down the court. Keeper stats Field goals (Eagles 31/55, Slammers 21/45); three-point attempts (Eagles 7/29, Slammers 7/26); free-throw attempts (Eagles 20/29, Slammers 12/21); total rebounds (Eagles 54-42 Slammers); assists (Eagles 18-15 Slammers); steals (Eagles 18-15 Slammers); turnovers (Slammers 17-14 Eagles); fouls (Slammers 22-15 Eagles).