They had 2 back-to-back defeats in Gold Coast by the Blaze and in Brisbane by the Bullets and lost to the contenders of the previous season, the Melbourne Tigers in their 2nd show off at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Oct 17.

Despite this, it is evident that the Slingers have improved very much in their game, proving their worth. With camaraderie better than ever, the Slingers’ quilt of teamwork was what gave them a stronger defence. Their offense has also improved as shown by the spectacular performance the 2,500 strong crowd enjoyed.

With consecutive shots outside the arc from Chris Cameron and Rod Grizzard’s sensational dunk, new centre David Donaldson’s impressive alley-oop fed off Grizzard and countless ferocious rebounds, followed by successive turnovers, the game was one that left the crowd screaming and jumping.

1st Quarter Performance

The team was off to their signature slow start with the score at 4-15 5 minutes into the quarter. A consecutive 3 pointer by Cameron fuelled the team with positive energy as the Slingers struggled to gain the lead with a score of 19-18. Alas, it was a good attempt as they ended the quarter with a mere 3 points behind the Tigers at a score of 28-25.

2nd Quarter Performance

Another remarkable feat to keep the team’s energy going, Grizzard opened the 2nd quarter with an electrifying dunk which gave the team inspiration to keep their score as to the Tigers as close as possible. This pushed the Slingers to a tie at about the last 4 minutes of the game. At this point of time, the Tigers tore out of their cages and kept a vigilant watch on the Slingers, giving the latter a tough time in the quarter. The period ended with Ben Knight hurling the ball across the court in an attempt to score in the last minute (it was a close call) and a score of 54-47 with the Tigers in the lead.

3rd Quarter Performance

A stifling half court defense by the Tigers gave the Slingers a hard time trying to catch up as they faltered almost 20 points behind the ferocious Tigers. It was a tough quarter for the team as they only put in 19 points, 10 points behind the Tigers. With a score of 83-66 and with only 1 more quarter to go, the Tigers have gained the biggest lead so far in the game.

4th Quarter Performance

The final quarter called for an awakening from Mike Helms, who scored a mere 6 points in the entire game at the 3rd quarter mark. It was nothing but net for Helms, whose parents attended the game, as he scored a total of 21 points, earning his usual position of top scorer for the Slingers. Even as the Slingers soared, putting in a total of 30 points in this quarter, the Tigers remained strong in their position. Janev scored in the last 30 seconds of the game, ending with a score of 96-105.

Coaches’ Comments

Coach Gordon McLeod pointed out his disappointment in the results but also commended his inexperienced team’s good effort. He mentioned that winning in the NBL is tough, they need more players to play at the level people know they are capable of and that they cannot afford any lapses like Wednesday’s game.

Still, Coach McLeod anticipates Sunday’s game on home court against New Zealand.

“Looking forward to Sunday’s game here against New Zealand, it is important for us to stay positive and evaluate the things that we were poor in.”

Melbourne Tiger’s coach, Alan Westover gave credit to the Slingers and coach McLeod for an inspiring game played. He also said the Slingers showed how difficult it can be to win in Singapore, proving true that the Slingers do indeed have what they call, home court advantage.

Top 3 scorers:

(Slingers) Helms, 21 / Janev, 17 / Knight, 13 / Grizzard, 13
(Tigers) Hoare, 20 / Barlow, 17 / Anstey, 15

The Slingers play their next game against the NZ Breakers this Sunday, Oct 21 at 5 pm.