Loss motivates Rangers to win

– Glen Atwell
A LOSS to the Adelaide Fellas on Saturday proved the perfect motivation for the Dandenong Rangers, who thrashed the Perth Lynx the following day.
The Rangers’ weekend Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) double-header at the Dandenong Basketball Stadium did not begin according to plan, the team losing 77-75 to the Fellas on Saturday night.
Adelaide star Erin Phillips proved the difference between the sides, scoring 24 points including eight field baskets.
The Fellas, who led 64-54 at the final change, survived a charge by the Rangers, led by Emma Randall who scored 10 points.
The Rangers outscored the Fellas 21-13 in the final term, but a victory could not be salvaged.
Dandenong star Sam Richards missed the game after a training injury, and Caitlin Ryan played with a broken finger.
It was the first time this season Rangers coach Gary Fox faced an injury-plagued bench.
With little more than 12 hours to recover from the Saturday night game, the Rangers were back on the court to take on the Perth Lynx.
Like a sleeping giant rudely awoken, the Rangers punished the Lynx for their previous night’s loss, belting the Western Australians 105-68.
But it was the return to the court of Dandenong superstar Jess Bibby that brought the crowd of more than 500 to its feet.
The Women’s National Basketball Association talent was used successfully in short bursts by Fox and had a big impact on the game.
In 10 minutes of game time, Bibby scored an amazing 18 points, including four field baskets and a trio of three-pointers.
But it was Rangers captain Carly Wilson who led the Rangers to victory with 27 points.
The weekend results leave the Rangers with 14 wins, two games clear on top of the WNBL ladder, with Bulleen and Canberra sharing second position.
Dandenong travels north this Friday to take on the struggling Townsville Fire.