– Glen Atwell
AFTER seven consecutive wins, the Dandenong Rangers were rolled for the first time this season by Werribee at the Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre on Saturday night.
The 107-99 loss sent the Rangers crashing back to reality after enjoying a dream start to the Big V Championship season.
Dandenong shot three more field attempts, scored one more triple and netted one more free throw than the Devils, but could not escape with victory.
The Rangers led the game early and enjoyed a six-point break at the end of the first period, but were outscored in the remaining three quarters.
Both teams struggled to convert opportunities. Dandenong converted less than 40 per cent of its field shots, while Werribee managed a reasonable return of 46 per cent.
Ash Cannan was again Dandenong’s best, scoring a game-high 30 points and collecting 14 rebounds in his 39 minutes on court.
Import Vince Inglima also kept the Rangers afloat, netting 24 points and making four of seven three-point attempts.
Brent Hobba was at his consistent best, adding 19 points and snaring seven rebounds.
Cannan, Inglima and Hobba have dominated the Rangers’ statistical sheet since round one, but have always relied on one or two others to keep the score ticking towards victory.
On Saturday night, the all-important fourth player went missing.
Mehmad Bektas (two from nine field attempts) and Matt Witherden lacked offensive productivity, scoring only four points each.
On the other hand, Werribee had five players scoring in double figures.
Dallas Wilson top-scored for the Devils with 23 points, Brett Rainbow added 21 and Nick Van Der Klooster netted 20.
Despite the loss, Dandenong remains on top of the Big V ladder thanks to a narrow percentage lead over second-placed Warrnambool.
The going won’t get any easier for the Rangers this Saturday as they take on third-placed Sandringham at the Dandenong Basketball Stadium at 7.30pm.
