Singapore 12 March 2017
The Singapore Slingers notched their 12th win of the 2016-17 ABL season and home court advantage in the 2016-17 semi finals play-offs with a 76-52 win against the Kaohsiung Truth at OCBC Arena today.
Led by Xavier Alexander, who recorded his second triple double in the last 3 games, 12pts, 12rebs & 12assts and fellow import Justin Howard, who finished with 24pts & 15rebs, the Slingers finally found their defensive intensity holding the high scoring Kaohsiung team to a season low 52 points.
It was a good overall team performance in front of the Slingers home fans with contributions from several players. Ng Han Bin (9pts) on 3-4 shooting, Wong Wei Long (9pts), Leon Kwek (6pts) and Delvin Goh (4pts).
Today’s win locks down second position for the Slingers (12-6) on the ABL ladder with just two regular season games remaining. Regardless of the results in their final two games against the Saigon Heat, the Slingers will finish 2nd behind the Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions after the regular season.
The Slingers opponents in the semi finals may not be known until the final game of the ABL’s regular season. Currently Alab Pilipinas (9-9), Saigon Heat (6-10), Kaohsiung Truth (5-12) & Malaysia Dragons (5-13) are fighting it out for the 3rd & 4th positions. What is certain is the Slingers will host Game 1 of their Semi Final Playoff Series on Sunday 2nd April at OCBC Arena.
Singapore Slingers 76 def Kaohsiung Truth 52
Justin Howard 24 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists
Xavier Alexander: 12 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists, 4 steals
Ng Han Bin: 9 points
Wong Wei Long: 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Josh Urbiztondo: 8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
The Singapore Slingers next game is at OCBC Arena on Sunday 19th March vs Saigon Heat.
