Tigers’ spread a tough task for Slammers

The Printsync South West Slammers will meet a well-rounded Willetton Tigers outfit tonight at the Willetton Basketball Centre.

The clash is the first of a two-game away stint for the Slammers, with their next match at home on April 14 against the Lakeside Lighting.

Despite a nine-point loss to the Stirling Senators on Sunday, the Tigers remain one of the strongest teams in the competition, with imports Jay Bowie and Badou Diagne starting the season well.

They are complemented by locals Kyle Armour, Andrew Black and former Cockburn Cougar Damien Scott, meaning the Slammers’ defence will be stretched.

Slammers coach Carl Catalano believed his team matched up well against the Tigers.

“Kyle is a pretty good point guard and you cannot take anything away from Andrew and Damien,” he said.

“They are some of the best Australians in the league and they are reasonably young still.

“They will be looking to get after us and we will be looking to get after them, so it is going to be a great game.”

The Slammers had been building up to playing some good basketball, according to Catalano.

“I thought defensively we were a lot better on Saturday night,” he said.

“Offensively we need to score more points.

“We have been getting shots up and watching the game back we are taking good shots.

“But we need to be converting. We are not shooting the ball well.”

Catalano said he would challenge import Justin Reynolds to perform better after the American scored 11 points against the Mandurah Magic, shooting at 28 per cent from the field.

“He has only been here for 14 days, so we need him to get used to the team and the competition,” he said.

“But we do need more from him, there is no doubt about that.

“Especially as we are getting him good looks. I think he could have attacked the rim a bit more.

“Justin will himself be looking for a big game this week.”

After this game the Slammers will have an eight-day break before they take on the Joondalup Wolves.