By Paul Pickering
DANDENONG is itching for its “heavyweight rematch” with Canberra this Saturday night after a promising return to WNBL action last weekend.
The Rangers welcomed the return of star point guard Kath MacLeod on their way to an 89-46 demolition of the AIS on Friday night, before pushing the ladder-leading Capitals all the way in a 100-92 loss on Saturday.
The Canberra clash, which was the highest rating game of the season on ABC TV, provided yet another glimpse of the fifth-placed Rangers’ potential to challenge the league’s established order.
The Rangers won three quarters, but let the game slip during a 22-38 third term in which the Caps connected on 16-of-19 from the field.
Canberra talls Suzy Batkovic (28 points, 10 rebounds) and Marianna Tolo (21, 10) had their way in the paint throughout, while Rangers skipper Abby Bishop (24, 8) and a fit-and-firing MacLeod (20, 9, seven assists) shone for the visitors.
MacLeod also led all scorers with 19 in the win over the students the previous night.
Dandenong coach Mark Wright, whose side lost three straight games heading into the Christmas break, said he is now confident that the group has turned the corner. He said MacLeod deserved much of the credit for that turnaround.
“You can do all the soul-searching and resting you like (over the break), but when you get your best player back it makes all the difference,” Wright said.
“Obviously we were disappointed to lose (against Canberra), but I was very happy with the way the players fought it out. Apart from a three or four minute period in that third quarter, we were admirable.”
The Rangers, who trailed 80-70 at three-quarter time, cut the deficit to five during the last term, but the run ended there.
Still, Wright says his charges are desperate to make a statement when the Caps come to Stud Road this Saturday night.
“It’s a heavyweight rematch this week and I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“We have to be at the top of our game and tough it out, because they’re very physical.”
The new floor on Dandenong’s showcourt was unveiled this week and the Rangers are anticipating a bumper crowd. Tip-off is at 7.30pm.
