Right: Matty Witherden shoots past the defence of a Hume City opponent.By Glen Atwell
TWO wins from two games made for a double-header delight for the Dandenong Rangers on the weekend.
An inspired Brent Hobba led the undefeated Rangers to a 124-105 victory over Eltham on Saturday night before Dandenong prevailed 112-100 against Hume City on Sunday afternoon.
Hobba was outstanding at Eltham High School, scoring an amazing 40 points in just 29 minutes of court time.
Shooting at 65 per cent, Hobba netted nine from 14 field attempts and scored four three-point baskets.
His work from the charity line was also outstanding, making 10 from 10.
Ash Cannan was at his consistent best, scoring 21 points and snaring 14 rebounds, while import Vince Inglima was again busy.
Inglima added 16 points and demonstrated his endurance qualities, playing for a game-high total of 37 minutes.
The Rangers trailed Eltham 29-23 at quarter-time, but Dandenong turned the tables in the second period, outscoring its opposition 28-18.
A 35-25 third quarter all but sealed the 19-point win for the Rangers.
Luke Egan (36 points, six rebounds) was devastating for Eltham, and contributions from John Lister (19 points) and Adam Moore (14 points, 12 rebounds) saved the home side from being blown away.
Just 18 hours later Dandenong was back on the court, this time at its home in Stud Road, where it proved too strong for Hume City, winning 112-100.
Cannan dominated the floor, scored a game-high 25 points and snatching 13 rebounds.
Hume City dynamo Mike Spears was also impressive, netting 23 points and grabbing 12 boards.
Dandenong burst out of the blocks at the start of the game, outscoring the Broncos 34-23 in the first period.
But Hume City bounced back in the second quarter, winning it 30-21 – and drawing within two points.
But that deficit was as close as the Broncos came as the Rangers rolled towards a comfortable victory.
Inglima (25 points) was electric in the second half and was well assisted by Hobba, who finished with 20 points.
The Rangers remain the only undefeated team in the championship competition and sit proudly atop the ladder.
No games are scheduled for the Big V over the Easter weekend.
