ABL: Singapore Slingers holds Kaohsiung Truth to season-low scoring in 76-52 win

SINGAPORE - Centre Justin Howard scored 24 points, shooting 11-for-19 from the field and small forward Xavier Alexander recorded his second triple-double of the season with 12 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists as the Singapore Slingers shut down the Kaohsiung Truth in an Asean Basketball League (ABL) 76-52 victory on Sunday afternoon at the OCBC Arena.

The Kaohsiung Truth were held to a season-low 52 points as player-of-the-game Alexander was a smothering presence in the Slingers' defence with four steals and four offensive rebounds. Kaohsiung's top-scorer centre Derek Hall finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds and two assists but was the only player on his team to put up double-figures.

The Slingers shot 50 per cent (32 for 64) from the field while Kaohsiung converted just 32 per cent (20 for 61). Kaohsiung were also out-rebounded 34-42, out-assisted 10-23 and went four for 18 from the three-point range unlike the Slingers' six for 18.

With the win, the Singapore Slingers have secured their spot in the top two alongside the Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions and are guaranteed home-court advantage in the play-offs.

The Slingers avenged their 75-79 loss to Kaohsiung on Feb 19 and their new signing, Filipino point guard Josh Urbiztondo had an encouraging second game after last week's quiet debut against the Saigon Heat with eight points, five rebounds and three assists.

The Slingers remain in second place in the ABL standings with an 12-6 record. They will next play the Saigon Heat twice to end their regular season - at the OCBC Arena on March 19 and away on March 25.

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