Rangers rally in close finish

DANDENONG kept its slim play-off hopes alive with a gutsy overtime win at Mount Gambier on the Saturday night.
The Rangers squandered a 13-point halftime lead to let the hometown Pioneers back into the game, but produced the goods in the extra period to clinch a 110-103 victory.
Back-up forward Matt Witherden was the X-factor for the visitors, scoring 27 points in the absence of star import Dusty Jura.
Witherden played a season-high 42 minutes, combining well with frontline mainstays Vince Inglima (28) and Brent Hobba (13, 11 rebounds).
Shooting guard Jonathan Shepherd was also impressive, nailing four-of-seven from beyond the arc on his way to 16 points.
Dallas Jeffree (33) and Andrew Rice (27) led the Pioneers revival, but the home side’s seven-man rotation took its toll in overtime.
The Rangers (9-14) are still sitting sixth in the SEABL East conference and will need to string a few wins together if they have any chance of making the post-season.
They will host the top-of-the-table Brisbane Spartans (20-2) – led by former Ranger Ash Cannan – at Stud Road from 2pm on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Dandenong’s Lady Rangers freshened up with a bye last weekend ahead of games against Frankston and Brisbane on Saturday night and Sunday.