Dandenong Rangers clip Seahawks’ wings

By Melissa Grant
DANDENONG has hung on to top spot on the Big V Basketball Men’s Championship ladder with a seven-point win over Warrnambool on Saturday night.
The Rangers were put to the test by the third-placed Seahawks, but fought it out to prevail in what was a seesawing affair.
The Rangers started well early, hitting 31 points including six from downtown. But the Seahawks were also on target, netting 28 points to trail by just three at the first break.
The away side levelled the scores at half-time before taking a 12-point lead into the final change.
But the Rangers came out blazing in the last quarter, outscoring Warrnambool 35 to 16 to run away with a well-fought victory.
Brent Hobba again dominated the boards for the Rangers, hitting 30 points and taking 12 rebounds, while Vince Inglima was also on song, with 21 points and six rebounds.
Bobby Cunningham and former Ranger Lester Strong top-scored for the Seahawks, netting 27 points each.
The Rangers play their last home and away game for the season against Ringwood at Maroondah Indoor Sports Complex this weekend.
Meanwhile, Dandenong’s Championship Division women enjoyed a 46-point victory over a lowly Coburg on Saturday night.
The Rangers dominated early, scoring 31 points in the first term while keeping the Giants to 10 points.
It was a different story in the second quarter as the Giants steadied to outscore the away side by eight points to trail by 13 at the main change.
The Rangers defence stood strong in the third period, restricting the Giants to just three points while Dandenong shot 27 points up the other end of the court.
The game was all but over at three-quarter time with the scoreboard reading 76-39, but the Rangers still pushed hard in the last to extend their lead and record a 46-point win.
Fazlyn Hartley was the Rangers’ best with 18 points and five rebounds, while Meagan Green and Tess Meyer were also on song, netting 17 points apiece.
Alyce Bertola took best on court honours for the Giants, finishing with 16 points, which included two from downtown.
Dandenong has a tough weekend ahead with games against Sandringham and Melbourne, and must win both to be any kind of chance of making this year’s finals.