Semi-finals beckon Slammers

The Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers men's side is staring down the barrel of a semi-finals berth, with just one win from two possible games needed this weekend.

The Slammers will take on the Willetton Tigers at the Eaton Recreation Centre on Friday night, with a win cementing their spot in the next step of the play-off series.

Slammers playing-coach Ty Harrelson said he was pleased to get the first win away on the road, after defeating the Tigers 90-83 on Saturday night.

"I would hand it to our team's effort on defence," he said.

"We put them on the line a few times in the first half - some strategic and some because they did a good job."

The Slammers structured up differently in the first qualifying final, with Trent Worthington and Harrelson both starting on the bench after extended lay-offs.

"It is a great option to have us coming off the bench," he said.

"The reason Trent and I did not start was because of team rules."

Harrelson complimented the efforts of Worthington (10 points and eight rebounds) and Jordan Hickert (17 points and six rebounds), who both stood up in the absence of co-captain Clive Weeden.

"I thought Jordan was fantastic," he said.

"Both of them came up with huge plays in the fourth quarter when we needed them."

Willetton coach Alan Black said Saturday night's game could have gone either way.

"A basket here and a basket there and we win the game," he said.

"We did not shoot the ball well in the second half.

"Hickert and (Wade) Hitchcock were really good.

"They played those cameo roles which got them over the line."

Black said the travel to Bunbury would not be a factor in Friday night's clash.

"I do not think the travel is an issue," he said.

"Defending them and trying to score more than 83 points is - 83 points is not going to get us a win against a good side.

"Offence has been our big issue all year."

Tip-off for Friday's game is 7.30pm.

If game three is needed, the two sides will meet on Saturday night at the Eaton Recreation Centre, with tip-off also at 7.30pm.