Phillip Morrison (#15) of the Slingers is fouled by Kannut Samerjai of the Slammers. Morrison had a game-high 26 points. (Photo courtesy of ABL)
Bangkok, Saturday, April 21, 2013 — The Singapore Slingers beat the Thailand Slammers 62–56 in their battle for the final playoff spot in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).
Phillip Morrison stepped up for the Slingers, scoring 6 huge points in the last minute to lead the Slingers to victory. Morrison had a game-high 26 points. Rashad Jones-Jennings also contributed 16 points and 13 rebounds while Rashaad Singleton finished with 12 points for the Slingers.
Both clubs now sit in fourth with identical 6–11 win-loss records. The season series between the two is also now at two apiece. Both teams will face each other one last time in the regular season at the end of the month in Singapore, an encounter which could determine who gets the final playoff ticket.
The Slingers initially had trouble with their offense and the Slammers took full advantage. Back-to-back baskets from Froilan Baguion at the end of the first quarter gave the Slammers a 19–10 lead.
The Slammers continued to build their lead early in the second quarter. Chanachon Klahan gave the Slammers their biggest lead in the game at 25–12 with his basket off a nice assist from Baguion.
Struggling offensively, the Slingers then used their defense to get back into the game. The Slammers were limited to only three field goals and 13 points in the third quarter. Down by nine points with 2:30 left in the third quarter, Singleton’s fade away shot sparked a 7–2 run which shaved the Slammers lead to 45–41 going into the final quarter.
Baguion extended the Slammers lead to 55–51 after he drove to the lane and made a tough running shot with five minutes left in the game. The Slingers then had a couple of good chances to cut their deficit but missed six straight free throws.
Despite his team struggling from the free throw line, Morrison kept his cool as he took over the game. Morrison sank a tough three-point shot and a fade-away shot from the free throw line to put the Slingers up 56–55 with a little under one minute left.
The Slammers lost their composure with 7.6 seconds left in the game. After Kannut Samerjai was unable to tie the game at 57 with his free throw, Baguion was called for a foul on Desmond Oh. Baguion argued with the call and was hit with a technical foul. Oh and Morrison then knocked down four free throws to secure the Slingers win.
Not only did the Slammers lose a heartbreaker, they also lost a chance to gain the series lead for the fourth and final playoff position over the Slingers. Baguion had 16 points while Samerjai added 11 points for the Slammers. Chris Charles was held to only three points but managed to grab 16 rebounds and blocked five shots.
The Slammers will have a big game on Wednesday night at home against the hot-streaking San Miguel Beermen. The Slingers will have a one week break before hosting the Slammers at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Sunday, April 28, 3pm.
Score by Quarter
Slammers vs Slingers
1st Q: 19–10
2nd Q: 13–14 (32–24)
3rd Q: 13–17 (45–41)
4th Q: 11–21 (56–62)
Slammers: Baguion – 16, Samerjai – 11, Brannon – 8, Lertlaaokul – 7, Klahan – 7, Charles – 3, Gonzaga – 2, Sekteera – 2
Slingers: Morrison – 26, Jennings – 16, Singleton – 12, Lim – 5, Oh – 3
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