Cougars Conquer Slammers Challenge

The Cockburn Cougars improved to a 6-1 standing and continue to sit atop the Men's SBL ladder after defeating the South West Slammers at Eaton Recreation Centre last night.

 

The Slammers, who were missing Wade Hitchcock, suffered their second defeat on their home court after a encountering a Cockburn team whose defensive structures last night presented too many difficulties late in the game.

 

Matt Parsons' Cockburn team looked to exploit their sizable offensive size advantage with import centre Marcus Goode a pivotal figure in the first half. Goode, who was slow to start the game and looked hampered by a leg injury throughout the contest, was the focal point of the Cougar dribble hand off reversal offense but it was not until midway through the second quarter that the big centre registered his first field goal through a put back. Until then it was guard Najee Lane who helped ticked the scoreboard for the visitors on his way to a game high 24 points for the visitors. Lane also made his presence felt on the boards, registering an outstanding 22 rebounds for the game. 

 

The second quarter was punctuated by foul trouble for the home team which Cockburn attempted to exploit with some aggressive possessions directed at the ring. The home fans were clearly irate by the flow of the game and if not for a short offensive cameo by Slammers rookie Shaun King late in the quarter, the margin may have looked a lot worse than the 49-47 advantage the Cougars held at the half. 

 

The third term of play began with a real physical presence with both teams attempting to wrestle control of the game in their favour. Both teams exchanged mini-runs on the scoreboard with Cockburn looking to extend the margin beyond six points but back to back Tre Nichols baskets kept the home side within close range mid way through the third. It took the inside presence of big man Marcus Goode to help curb the Slammers momentum late in the quarter when two consecutive block shots led to fast break baskets for Cockburn. Entering the final break, the Cougars held a 72-66 advantage.

 

The fourth began with much promise for the home team but unfortunately, despite bridging the six point margin to draw level early in the final quarter, they could find no answers for the Cougars zone anchored by the Goode in the middle for the remainder of the game. Cockburn were able to control the tempo and scoreboard on the back of their zone defense with the home team struggling to find baskets both inside and outside. In the end, several fast break points for the Cougars resulted in a  26-17 final quarter advantage, culminating in a 98-83 victory for the visitors.

 

Statistically for the home team it was again the double act of Tre Nichols (19 pts, 9 rebs) and Royal Crouch (18pts, 14 rebs) who led the Slammers. Both worked tirelessly throughout the game but were well held by the Cockburn defense.  The visitors had multiple contributors in Lane (24pts, 22rebs), Goode (18pts, 15 rebs) along with guard Dan Thomas and veteran sixth man Rhett Della Maddelena who both added 18 points a piece.

 

Next round sees both teams on the road with South West looking to bounce back to against the East Perth Eagles while the Cockburn Cougars feature in a top of the table clash against the defending champions Joondalup Wolves at Joondalup Basketball stadium. 

Article by Vlad Alava

Photo by Mick Cronin




Comments

Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.

Create A Team App Account.

Stack Team App is a platform that allows teams and social groups to improve communication by creating their own smartphone app.

Create A Team/Club