South West Slammers men’s side fall just short of fourth-straight win in two-point loss to Lakeside Lightning

South West Slammers men’s side fell just short of their fourth-straight win on Friday night after a two-point loss to Lakeside Lightning at home. With eight seconds left in the contest, the Slammers looked dead and buried, with Lakeside at the free throw line while holding a two-point lead. But import Marshawn Blackmon missed both foul shots, with a three-point attempt in the ensuing scramble from Buay Tuach — who had drilled a long shot only moments earlier to cut the gap back to two — falling short, allowing the visitors to take a 79-77 win at Eaton Recreation Centre. The Slammers were kept in the contest by yet another brilliant performance from their captain Tuach, who scored 28 points in the defeat. Alex Holcombe (17 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks) and Pharell Keats (15 points, eight rebounds, seven assists) also continued strong ends to the season. The Slammers had a curious offensive night, nailing 23 of their 37 shot attempts from inside the arc but only 16 of their 28 free throws and a lamentable five of their 28 three-point shots. After falling into an early 10-point hole, the Slammers were able to cut the gap back to three points at the first break and headed for half-time trailing by six after a neck-and-neck second quarter. The Slammers hit the front in the midway point of the third quarter but the visitors responded, taking a six-point lead in the final term before the frantic final two minutes. Ahead of their final game of the season this weekend, the Slammers sit 12th on the NBL1 West ladder with a 6-15 win-loss record.