So close for Rangers

By Glen Atwell
THERE is no doubt the Dandenong Rangers are getting better and better.
But whether or not they can improve enough to once again become a dominant force in the Women’s National Basketball League remains to be seen.
On Saturday night, Dandenong was defeated 77-71 by the Sydney Flames, and it was another case of close but no cigar for the injury-ridden Rangers.
Natalie Porter, who scored 17 points and compiled six rebounds and three assists, led the Flames.
Dandenong young-gun Jenna O’Hea again led a last-quarter comeback after erupting with 20 points in the second half.
The Flames opened up an 18-10 lead in the first term before Dandenong fought back to finish the quarter trailing by only five, 20-15.
Larissa Cavanagh and Alison Downie nailed consecutive three-pointers to keep Dandenong in touch in the second term, before Sydney excitement machine Mikaela Dombkins came off the bench and netted a long bomb of her own.
The Flames dominated and led 40-25 at the main break. Porter scored six successive points for Sydney to start the second half but Dandenong fought back fiercely and forced the Flames to call a time out.
But Dandenong had grabbed all the momentum, and thanks to two late three-point baskets from Emily McInerney and O’Hea, won the quarter 21-20.
O’Hea continued to bomb away in the final quarter and her third three-pointer of the game cut the Flames’ lead to single digits.
Dandenong continued its charge and when the deficit was reduced to three points with four minutes remaining, the Rangers’ fans had something to cheer about.
But the fairytale failed to materialise.
A Dombkins field goal steadied the Flames and two three-point plays from Porter and Alicia Poto put the game in the bag.
The Rangers failed to lift and, despite winning the quarter 25-17, lost by six points.
The defeat drops the depleted Rangers to one win and five losses for the season, and sees them scraping the bottom of the ladder with the Perth Lynx.
Dandenong clashed with Bulleen in the first game on the Michele Timms’ Cup last night (Wednesday) and travels to Adelaide to take on the lightning on Saturday.