Dandenong coach Gary Fox makes his message loud and clear during a time-out on Saturday night. By Glen Atwell
THE Dandenong Rangers are winning the race to the Women’s National Basketball League finals after a 12-point victory against the Townsville Fire on Saturday night.
But can Dandenong make it to the finish line without an interstate stumble?
The Rangers have two matches remaining, against Perth and Adelaide, and must win both to claim a play-off position.
On Saturday night, as temperatures inside the Dandenong Basketball Stadium soared, Dandenong recorded 90-78 win against the Fire.
In a game that packed more punch than the NBL match between South Dragons and West Sydney that followed, the Rangers 15-point quarter-time lead was never challenged.
Co-captain Caitlin Ryan and guard Kathleen McLeod netted 23 points apiece, while Jenna O’Hea was at her consistent best, scoring 22 points and eight rebounds.
Seven-time Defensive Player of the Year Emily McInerny collected 16 rebounds in what was her best game of the season.
Jennifer Crouse and Renae Camino were Townsville’s best, scoring 17 points each, while Rohanee Cox contributed 14 points and Tania Heritage 12.
The NBL South Dragons defeated the West Sydney Razorbacks 90-84 in a thrilling game at the Dandenong Basketball Stadium.
Completing the WNBL/NBL double-header, the Dragons trailed the last-on-the-ladder Pigs for most of the night, but managed to swing the momentum when it counted.
Ex-Dandenong player Brent Hobba played 19 minutes of the match for the Dragons.
He scored six points and collected three rebounds.
More than 2100 spectators crammed into the Dandenong stadium to watch the double-header, labelled a resounding success by organisers.
