Changhua City Taiwan, 18th March 2018
Despite the best efforts of the Formosa Dreamers to snap their losing skid and end their season with a win in front of their loyal home crowd, the Playoffs-bound Singapore Slingers refused to cooperate posting a convincing 87-69 win at the Changhua Stadium in Changhua City Taiwan.
With their loyal fans packing the gym and bringing posters and signs for support, optimism was high that Formosa would be able to pick up a win in their final regular season home game. But the Slingers had business of their own to take care of, as they looked to bounce back from a disappointing home outing last week. As a result, last year’s ABL Finals runner’s-up were extra sharp looking to build momentum going in to the ABL Playoffs.
Asean Import AJ Mandani was outstanding finishing with a season best 30 points on a scorching 14/19 from the field. Mandani also created chaos on the other end, as he registered 7 steals in the contest. The Dreamers wound up with 21 turnovers in the game, as the Slingers’ individual defense forced the home team into several mistakes.
World Import Cameron Forte finished his ABL debut season with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 2 steals to lead Formosa. Teammate Ronnie Aguilar chipped in with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks.
A dunk by Slingers Center Chris Charles with 3:40 remaining in the 3rd quarter gave Singapore it’s biggest lead of the game at 22 points. However the Dreamers would get to within 12 points via a Wu Sung Wei triple with 7:13 remaining in the final period. A monster slam from Aguilar and free throws from Forte at the 4:41 got the Dreamers to within 10, as they attempted their last run to salvage a win.
However it was not meant to be, as Mandani, Charles and Russell Low each scored baskets to bump the Slingers’ lead back to 17 points. They would eventually cruise to the victory, as Low scored back to back baskets to gain seperation and eventually the 18 point win.
Playing without Delvin Goh, Larry Liew and Leon Kwek all due to National Service commitments the Slingers got a big contribution from Russel Low, who scored a career high 17 points on 7/9 shooting. Charles also had a monster double-double of 18 points, 17 rebounds and 5 blocks.
The Slingers climb to 11-8 in the standings with their final regular game in Saigon against the Saigon Heat next Saturday at 5:00pm
