Flames still rock-bottom

The Rockingham Flames’ miserable start to the State Basketball League season continued with a 115-94 loss to the Willetton Tigers on Saturday.

In front of a parochial home crowd at the Mike Barnett Sports Complex, Rockingham trailed at every change before eventually lowering their colours by 21 points, 94-115.

Willetton blew the game open in the third period, outscoring the home side to the tune of 17 points.

Inaccuracy was the Flames’ main problem, shooting at just 35 per cent from the field and 30 per cent from outside the paint.

They did rally late in the match and outscored Willetton by four points in the final period.

James Booyer stood tall on an otherwise difficult night for Rockingham, netting 24 points and pulling a game-high 17 rebounds.

Rhett Della Maddalena was also impressive with 19 points at 72 per cent from the field.

However, the telling contribution came from the Tigers’ Robert Kampman, who highlighted a 42-point haul with six three-pointers.

The result leaves Rockingham bottom of the 14-team competition and winless from its opening five matches.

They face another tough ask this Saturday against a Mandurah Magic side yet to lose at home.

The Flames have another chance to open their account on Sunday when they host the Geraldton Buccaneers.