Slammers fall 104-41 to Tigers, with best players backing up from travel or other sports

The South West Slammers women’s team had plenty to take out from Saturday night’s 104-41 road loss against the Willetton Tigers in Perth. With coach Peter Nalder and the club having parted ways two nights earlier, the Slammers arrived at the Willetton Basketball Stadium under the guidance of interim boss Julieann Bissaker. Those who suited up for the Slammers included American import Tylinn Carter — who arrived from the US less than 24 hours before tipoff — and Karinda Farrant, who was backing up from a full game of football earlier that day for Carey Park. The Tigers took control of the game from the outset and led 32-2 at quarter-time. Aside from committing a forgettable 14 turnovers inside the opening 10 minutes, the Slammers were also tormented by Tigers stalwart Emma Gandini, who racked up five steals for the term (and 13 for the game). Carter, who came off the bench sparingly given her jet lag, shot brilliantly (8/11) inside the paint. However, her link up play also generated several quality offensive links and stretched the Tigers’ defence. After being blown to smithereens in the opening quarter, the Slammers dug deep and somewhat applied a handbrake to the Tigers’ scoreboard pressure — although fatigue in the final few minutes of the game ensured the Tigers finished with another offensive blast. Keeper stats Field goals (Tigers 27/56, Slammers 14/36); three-point attempts (Tigers 14/38, Slammers 1/18); total rebounds (Tigers 68-31 Slammers); assists (Tigers 34-6 Slammers); steals (Tigers 24-10 Slammers); turnovers (Slammers 30-17 Cougars).