Rangers slump in defence

DANDENONG’S trademark defence went missing in a 137-107 torching at the hands of Geelong on Saturday night.
The Rangers, who built a Big V dynasty on the back of defensive pressure, conceded 77 points in the first half against the Supercats and never recovered.
Star centre Brent Hobba had 37 points on 11-of-16 shooting, but his return to form would have been little consolation to the Rangers, who are now sitting second last in their division at 3-7 for the year.
Dandenong’s other mainstay, Dusty Jura, scored 22 to go with 14 rebounds, but the star-studded Supercats were never going to be troubled after shooting the ball at over 60 per cent from the field in the first three quarters.
The visitors had four 20-plus contributors, with Clifton Lee (27), Ismali Muhammed (25), Jamie Medved (24) and South Dragons championship player Nathan Herbert (20) all finding their range.
The Rangers got handy contributions from Matt Witherden (16) and Gavin Illangakoon (10), but continue to struggle without injured import Vince Inglima.
Warren Dawson’s charges will be desperate to bounce back when they host the Canberra Gunners on Saturday night.
Same goes for the Dandenong women, who suffered a 77-52 road loss to Bendigo on Saturday night.
Braves playmakers Kelly Wilson and Jasmine Finnigan scored 26 points apiece to bury the Rangers, who struggled to find a consistent scoring threat.
Boom recruit Elyse Penaluna had 12 points and 12 boards in solid first-up performance, but she was the only Ranger to crack double figures in either of those statistical categories.
Dandenong is now fourth on the table ahead of a trip to Sandringham on Saturday night to face the win-less Sabres.