By JARROD POTTER
SEABL – ROUND 9
IT CAME down to the wire… but really didn’t have to as the Dandenong Rangers almost squandered an early double-digit lead against Frankston.
The Rangers’ women sweated over their poor free-throw shooting, missing six in a row in the final minutes as Frankston nearly mounted an amazing comeback in Dandenong’s 79-76 win.
Frankston’s Kate Gaze (25 points) missed two chances to hit the match-tying field goal, after Dandenong failed to hit its foul shots to leave coach Larissa Anderson completely bemused.
The final minute stretched for eternity as Frankston sent Dandenong to the foul line over-and-over again.
Snapping the free-throw chaos, Clare Papavs (21 points) calmly sunk her two to push the Rangers back out to a three-point lead.
Papavs has been in stellar form this season – averaging nearly a double-double per game with 15.1 points and 8.3 rebounds – and her guidance alongside a foul-stricken Jacinta Kennedy (14 points) – who had to sit out most of the fourth term on four fouls – and Alison Downie (12 points) proved the standouts on Saturday night.
The Rangers’ experienced trio showcased the necessary talent to dismantle Frankston’s zone and guide Dandenong to victory.
“Free throws have been killing us all season,” Anderson said.
“We’ve been doing such a good job getting to the free-throw line… we’re just not finishing it off.
“That’s our biggest weakness, but it’s a positive that we’re getting there.
“I’m not used to this group missing as they’re usually such good free-throw shooters so we’ll adjust to it.”
A 10-2 record keeps the Rangers comfortably on top of the SEABL East Conference before the women travel to face Brisbane to face the high-flying Spartans on Saturday.
