Singapore Slingers’ 38-point victory

All thanks to Nic (again), Lyn (my boo) and I popped over to the Indoor Stadium yesterday night to catch the opening night of the Singapore Challenge Series. To cut the long story short, the Singapore Challenge Series is a series of basketball matches where professional teams from around the region are invited to take on the ever so hungry Singapore Slingers. The lucky team that manages to beat the Singapore Slingers will take home a bounty of $10,000.

First up in the schedule is one of the Philippines Basketball Association’s finest, Air 21. Once the ball tipped off, Air 21 showed their scoring prowess and defence cutting drives giving them an early lead at the end of the first quarter. However once the whistle blew for the second quarter, the Slingers took over the dance and never trailed, giving them a 124-86 win over Air 21.

I have never mentioned this before but I guess the seats we got were just too good. We were so close to the players that apart from smelling their perspiration, photography was pretty challenging. Most of my shots included bobbing referee heads at the official’s table which no one can ever achieve if not at the best seats in the house. Thanks again Nic.

Left and Right: Air 21

Our new players including Darren Ng #8 and Eric Sandrin #14 made their presence felt with them scoring 28 and 24 points respectively. Darren Ng’s consistent three-point threat proves that he is not a force to be reckoned with. Canning treys from just about any angle in the court, any team playing against the Slingers must know that they cannot take their eyes off from him..not even for a second. For a person of a much slimmer built compared to others playing in the professional league, Darren’s fearless in his face shots and drives shows that size is never a factor to him. You can know more about Darren at his blog here.

Left: Darren fires from the arc | Right: Darren for an easy two

Eric Sandrin on the other hand puts his physique and size into play. Standing at over 2 meters, the Korean American was once a member of the Harlem Globetrotters in 2005 (not too sure if he is into street ball though).  His repertoire of tough defense, fierce dunking offence and sharp shooting abilities proudly and loudly shows any team playing against the Slingers that victory may not be a walk in a park…not on his watch at least.

Left: Eric skies for a rebound | Right: Defence!!

In addition, Eric is not your average shy Asian American (I’m being stereotype here) who quietly takes in anything that comes his way. His absolute disregard for any opponent big or small and ever readiness to fire up cheap shots of all sorts both during and off game time earns him the title of the “Slingers Bad Boy”. Easily put, Eric to the Singapore Slingers is pretty much like Dennis Rodman to the Chicago Bulls.

Left and right: Eric fearlessly stuffing the ball in the hole

As tough games go, conflicts are inevitable and before we knew it, the two teams started taking it out against each other leading to an ejection of Air 21’s forward Homer Se for attempting to kick Eric’s head. The Philippine majority crowed showered the Slingers with boos and slurs only to fire up the home team’s goal of taking the game with much force.

Left: The confrontation begins | Right: Our Filipino fans (judging from their boos, I think they are Air 21’s fans)

A big welcome and a nice pat on the back to the Slingers team, especially to the new players for their team play. Much mention to the big man Sam Harris for making his presence known and the more aggresive Pathman (our only Singaporean) who scored 5 points.

Left: Pathman scores | Right: Big ‘ol Harris

Left and Right: The Slingers’ offence

The Singapore Slingers will meet Air 21 again this sunday as the latter attempt to redeem themselves from a pretty much painful loss yesterday. Judging from how it goes, Air 21 is not going to take the game lying down and all I can say is, expect more phyiscal plays and loads of action. Tickets are available at Sistic.

More photos of the game in my Flickr album here.

Related posts:

1. Singapore Slingers and fans got owned at home
2. Slingers field squad with more players
3. Barangay Ginebra replaces Sathyabama Stars for final game
4. Singapore Slingers takes an 8-point bite off the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants
5. One phrase the Singapore Slingers can learn…