Dandenong Ranger Emma Randall (centre) talks with Emily McInenry (left) and Carly Wilson (right) during the Rangers’ seesawing win against the Sydney Uni Flames on Saturday night. By Glen Atwell
A HARD-FOUGHT win over the Sydney Uni Flames sent the Dandenong Rangers basketball team well on the way to a third consecutive championship.
The large crowd that turned out for the finals’ rematch of last season at Dandenong Basketball Stadium were treated to a seesawing contest that eventually tipped the Rangers’ way, 72-64.
However it was not all smooth sailing for last season’s champions, as the Flames controlled the lead for most of the fast-paced game.
The Sydneysiders burst from the blocks and silenced the Dandenong crowd, nailing two baskets and one free-throw before talented Rangers recruit Kathleen MacLeod posted the first three-point basket of the Rangers’ season and sparked the local crowd back into action.
However the Flames retained the ascendancy for the first quarter, led by forward Natalie Porter, who sunk two field goals and made four free throws to finish the quarter with eight points, giving the Flames a 20-15 lead at the first break.
The Rangers fought hard in the second quarter and clawed their way back into the game. Emily McInerny was everywhere, scoring three field goals and notching up six defensive rebounds, as the Flames could not find the basket with ease.
With the scores locked at 33-33 with 30 seconds remaining in the half, the Rangers wound down the clock before Emma Randall sunk the final basket of the half, bringing the crowd to its feet and giving the Rangers the lead at the main break.
That lead was short lived, as the Flames turned up the heat on the Rangers and quickly raced away to a nine-point lead in the third quarter.
It looked like the Flames would run away with the game, but the Rangers stayed in touch and three points, courtesy of Carly Wilson late in the quarter, reduced the margin to six points at the final break.
The champions took control in the final quarter and outclassed the Flames across the court.
Porter could not fire for the Flames, managing just three field baskets from 12 attempts.
Too many missed opportunities, forced by the hardened Rangers’ defence, quickly had the Dandenong side back in front and bouncing away with the game.
Rangers co-captain Wilson was awarded the Rangers most valuable player (MVP) on the night, while Porter was declared the MVP for the Flames.
Wilson said the team was overjoyed with the win.
“It was always going to be tough |after such a disrupted pre-season, so we couldn’t have been happier coming away with the win,” she said.
Wilson said she knew the Rangers were more than capable of winning, but when her side slipped nine points behind during the third quarter, things had to be turned around.
“We knew we had to start getting it together when we fell behind and to the team’s credit we did and kept it going in the last quarter,” she said.
This Friday night, the Rangers take on the Adelaide Fellas at the Dandenong Basketball Stadium and Wilson said to expect a fast-paced game.
“They’re a running team and have been playing together for a few years now, but I think we have the depth to get over the line,” she said.
Tickets can be purchased by ringing the stadium on 9794 7192.
