Sabres still rattle Rangers

By Glen Atwell
SANDRINGHAM remains the perennial thorn in Dandenong’s side after a 95-88 victory against the Rangers at Sandringham Basketball Stadium on Saturday night.
It was the second time this season last year’s grand finalists have met, and despite Dandenong’s recent edge, the Sabres clawed out a gutsy win.
The first quarter was fierce, the scores locked at 30-30 at the first break.
Rangers import Vince Inglima was on target early, nailing an easy three-pointer to open the scoring.
But Sandringham dominated the second period, outscoring Dandenong 25-18 and opening up a seven-point half-time lead that proved match-winning.
Ex-Ranger Simon Conn was unstoppable for the Sabres and showed Dandenong what it was missing as he pounded the net with a game-high 28 points.
The two sides traded shots in the last half, but it was Sandringham that proved too slick and too accurate when the pressure was on, winning by seven points.
Ash Cannan (22 points, 10 rebounds) could not be denied and was once again crucial to the Dandenong side.
Inglima was also important, netting 25 points and continuing his run of good form.
Brent Hobba had a day he would rather forget, spending 31 minutes on the court for a return of just eight points.
This weekend the Rangers must endure a double-header, travelling to Hume on Saturday night before hosting Latrobe City on Sunday afternoon.
Dandenong’s Championship Division women lost 82-63 against Sandringham on Sunday evening.
The Sabres made it three in a row with the 19-point victory.
The Rangers led by four points at the main break, but the Sabres dominated the second half.
Melissa Colcott was again the best for Dandenong with 24 points, but couldn’t find any strong scoring support.