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NBL1 West 2022: South West Slammers women’s team waste opportunities against Magic

Headshot of Justin Fris
Justin FrisBunbury Herald
Tiahna Sears scored 28 points in Friday night's loss against the Mandurah Magic.
Camera IconTiahna Sears scored 28 points in Friday night's loss against the Mandurah Magic. Credit: Michael Farnell/Sports Imagery/Sports Imagery

Despite arriving at the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre on Friday night with nine players, at times the South West Slammers men’s team looked capable of defeating the finals-bound Mandurah Magic.

Trailing by two points at half-time against a side with one eye on next week’s finals series, the visitors had every opportunity to go the distance.

However, another third quarter lapse — an unwanted trend flagged by Slammers coach Robyn Vogel pre-game — ultimately played a massive role in the Magic eventually running out 90-68 victors.

On the back of scoring 26 points in the second quarter, with Tiahna Sears (28 points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals) working brilliantly under the offensive glass, the Slammers were held to 26 points across the entire second half.

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While the Magic did increase their defensive hustle following a pep talk from coach Vlad Alava, the Slammers players routinely turned the ball over (18 turnovers in the second half) with poorly telegraphed lofted passes.

It was a sad way for the season to end for the women’s team, given the fact their first-half was extremely heartening.

With WNBL veteran Carly Boag not suiting up, coupled by the home side’s inability to capitalise on ideal offensive looks early, the Slammers grew in confidence and were prepared to attack the offensive glass.

Sears was routinely able to get the match-ups she wanted when penetrating, which allowed for frequent free-throw trips.

However, a lethal burst early in the third quarter, along with the double teaming of Sears and Tylinn Carter, ultimately was enough for the Magic to shrug off their sluggish final round display and secure the win.

KEEPER STATS

Field goals (Magic 29/57, Slammers 20/45); three point attempts (Magic 4/20, Slammers 3/7); free throw attempts (Magic 20/32, Slammers 19/25) total rebounds (Magic 42-37 Slammers); assists (Magic 16-11 Slammers); steals (Magic 16-7 Slammers); turnovers (Slammers 27-11 Magic)

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