Mandurah looking to slam southern rivals (Round 4 women's preview)
Mandurah Magic will be looking to put a hugely disappointing start to the women's State Basketball League season behind them when they host South West Slammers to open round four.
The Magic have finished no lower than sixth in an impressive run of consecutive playoff appearances starting in 2004 but have lost their first three games of 2012 and will have to improve dramatically to make the top eight.
Mandurah, which lost just six games last year, will face a huge test against their southern rivals on Thursday night though as the Slammers are yet to lose this season.
The new look Bunbury side will already have won more games than in any of the past three seasons if it beats the Magic and Perth Redbacks on Saturday.
But the fourth placed Redbacks, whose only loss from their five games has come against league leaders Wanneroo, are sure to provide a big test for an under-strength South West team.
Reigning champions Willetton Tigers will be desperate to bounce back from their disappointing loss to the Wolves last week when they face winless local rivals Cockburn Cougars.
The Tigers also face Rockingham, which notched its first win for the season against Cockburn last week thanks to a dominant debut from import Emma Cannon.
East Perth also broke through for a desperately needed first win last week and will be hoping to back it up when it hosts Kalamunda on Saturday.
But there's also plenty on the line for the Eastern Suns, who are winless from three games and in danger of slipping out of the playoff race early.
Perry Lakes Hawks face a difficult task to end a two game losing skid as they host Wanneroo, which has won its five games so far by an average of nearly 15 points.
Stirling has also lost its last two matches and must overcome an impressive Lakeside team to get back into form, a tall order given the Lightning have won all three games to sit in second spot.
All games in round three will be played on Thursday or Saturday due to the Good Friday holiday.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)
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