NBL1 West 2023: South West Slammers men’s team face reigning champs on the road

Five minutes into Friday night’s 92-89 win over the Mandurah Magic away from home, South West Slammers men’s coach Shane Goff knew his side needed a reset.

“It was a time-out for us to say “hey, just chill out”,” Goff said.

“We were trying to hard to get what we wanted done, instead of just playing the game. It was important they played it cool and relaxed.”

The Slammers will travel up the Forrest Highway for the second time in two weeks, for a date against the reigning champ Rockingham Flames on Saturday night at the Mike Barnett Sports Complex.

Although they have dropped a few games over the past fortnight, the Flames have three potent weapons — Devondrick Walker, Marshall Nelson and Tom Jervis — who will all provide a great opportunity for the Slammers players to raise their games.

“Rockingham aren’t in the position that they are in for no reason,” Goff said. “They are a good team, who are well coached.

“I know their thoughts will be to come out and get back to winning ways, but it is a great chance for us to match those players.”

Scouting report

(Men): Flames

League position: 4th. Last round: lost to Kalamunda Eastern Suns 107-100; top performer (v Eastern Suns) - Jeremy Combs (32 points - 13/15 field goal attempts, 0/0 three-point attempts, 6/7 free-throw attempts, seven rebounds, one assist, three steals, two blocks).