Jenna O’Hea returned from international and WNBA duties in Dandenong’s 12-point WNBL loss to the Bendigo Spirit. 88546 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
By JARROD POTTER
THE influence of Kristi Harrower can never be discounted – with the Australian and Bendigo Spirit veteran teaching a big lesson to the Dandenong Rangers, which squandered a seven point half-time lead to lose 58-70 in their home match on Saturday night.
Dandenong’s roster, bolstered by the return of WNBA and Opals guard Jenna O’Hea, did an impressive job of keeping Bendigo outside the paint and off the scoresheet in the first half, with only three Bendigo players making points to the half.
Harrower was not one of those Bendigo players – she went into the half scoreless – but didn’t intend to stay that way for long.
She went on to score 24 points in the half to eviscerate Dandenong’s chances of staying undefeated this season.
O’Hea’s return was marred by a sickening collision in the third quarter, but she managed to return to the court to finish out the match with nine points.
Kathleen MacLeod continued her scoring spree with 18 points while Tegan Cunningham, promoted to starting duties for this match, hit 11 points and claimed six rebounds.
“Not going to be any excuses, we were disappointing from our point of view, I think we’re a 90 point a game side and restricted to under 60 and the lowest shooting percentage I think since I’ve been here at 32 per cent, so all the credit has to go to Bendigo – it didn’t happen by accident,” Dandenong coach Mark Wright said.
“They put enough pressure on us and it’s hard to believe that a team that’s played four games in 10 days can do that – that’s quite incredibly so all kudos to them.
“I think it’s a kick up the arse for us and a friendly reminder of how tough this league is – we’ve exposed some flaws and we’ll fix them.”
Dandenong faces the West Coast Waves at home Sunday at 4pm.
