Depleted Slammers outlasted by Flames
A second half collapse cost the women’s Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers in an 82-65 loss to the Rockingham Flames on Friday.
The Slammers got off to a promising start and led by 10 points at the long break before fatigue and a lack of bench players keyed a second half capitulation.
With just eight players at his disposal coach Darren Austin was forced to lean heavily on starting trio Lauren Jeffers, Amy Patton and Catherine Waycott and the strategy took its toll in the latter stages of the game as the fresher Flames ran away with the win.
Jeffers led the Slammers with 22 points and 12 rebounds while US import Patton, recovered after a calf strain limited her output against Lakeside, was not far behind with 18 points and 15 rebounds.
After breaking out with 27 points against Kalamunda in the season opener, Bianca Donovan was limited to just four points and 17 minutes of court time after landing in foul trouble.
West Coast Waves forward Darcee Garbin rallied the Flames to the second half rout, ending the game with 28 points and 20 rebounds in a dominant full court performance.
The women will look to get back on track when they square off with the fourth-placed Mandurah Magic on Saturday.
