Slingers vs Patriots game analysis: Hard-fought win exposes Slingers’ weaknesses

By Ian Chew

Singapore Indoor Stadium, Sunday, October 18, 2009 – The Slingers organization ought to be thankful for such a game early in the season.

They may have secured a win over the visiting Philippines Patriots, but not before receiving an almighty scare as their lead whittled away under intense Patriot pressure in the last few minutes.

The Slingers got their reprieve from the most unlikely of sources – an inbounds violation called on the Patriots at a most crucial moment by the Indonesian referee. Marcus Ng subsequently grabbed both points on the line to ensure a Slingers victory. Needless to say, the visitors were livid.

Yet the frustrations were by no means limited to the visitors, as both Slinger point guard Wong Wei Long and then forward Michael LeBlanc were slapped with uncharacteristic unsportsmanlike fouls in the fourth quarter.

It was a game that both sides badly wanted to win and it showed.

Match Verdict
The home win, though ugly and with a hint of controversy, was ultimately a fair result. The Slingers had a 48% field goal percentage for the game while the Patriots shot an abysmal 35% from the field.

Yet the poor shooting record of the visitors can be attributed to a steely Slinger defense that rotated quickly and industriously challenged every shot opportunity.

Play was sloppy at times with both teams committing more than 20 turnovers each but it definitely made for great entertainment for the fans from both sides who had much to cheer about.

Team Verdict
“It’s back to the drawing board,” declared Frank Arsego, head coach of the Slingers.

It is strange when a team of such calibre such as the Slingers struggles against a zone defense, but the main impediment must definitely be mental. Against a sudden switch to a zonal 2-3 defense by the Philippine Patriots in the second quarter, the Slingers offense had suddenly seemed hesitant and almost let slip a 9-point lead at that time.

It was the same story as the visiting Patriots went for broke late in the fourth with a full court man-to-man press. The Slingers again nearly let slip a comfortable 14-point lead through poor passing and offensive execution. The coaching staff now needs to ponder about how to deal with different tactical changes by their opponents.

Credit though to a hardworking Slinger defense, which is proving a hallmark of Frank Arsego’s coaching philosophy. The Patriots were restricted to just 42 points through the first three quarters.

Players Verdict
Kyle Jeffers, as usual, was solid and dependable at the post. His rebounding (12 rebounds in total) was a key reason for the Slingers victory. Add a 17-point contribution and you have a man-of-the-match performance right there. If there are any doubts, just ask his opposite number Dixon from the Patriots, who was tormented throughout the game just trying to contain him.

Al Vergara had his usual solid game, though he must rue his six turnovers and his free throw misses late in the game.

It was nice to see local Wong Wei Long add a touch of aggression to his game in addition to his recent increased points production (he scored two crucial back-to-back 3-pointers in the second quarter), but he needs to keep that aggression in check as well. He was fortunate to escape with an errant swing of the elbow in the third quarter on Patriot Christian Coronel.

Forwards Steven Khoo and Pathman filled in admirably for Kyle Jeffers when he was called for his fourth personal foul in the third quarter, but one Slinger that could step up is co-captain Michael Wong. He is capable of greater contribution and did have an off-day by his usual high standards.

View from the sidelines
A huge “MISS” sign paraded by a Slinger fan when the Patriot’s Dixon stepped up to the line succeeded in stirring up the home crowd! Hopefully that is a sign that fans are getting behind the team more as the season progresses.

Conclusion
A win is satisfying by any standards, and definitely one achieved against the Philippines Patriots. However, our players must learn to adapt to the rigours of professional basketball and this should prove a great learning experience.

View first quarter highlights of the game:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq8Ix_acxK4

View third quarter highlights of the game:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zbhjgsdlpck

View fourth quarter highlights of the game (Part 1):
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWDlxqt6vv8

View fourth quarter highlights of the game (Part 2):
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXGC_3zR-oM