By JARROD POTTER
AN OVERTIME thriller saw Dandenong Rangers undermine a Ballarat lead to claim a two-point nail biter.
Trailing 51-69 heading into the last term, the Rangers created their best quarter of basketball this year – knocking in 33 points to 15 – firing off 11/21 from field goal and 10/12 free throws to force overtime at 84-84.
Another deadlock at the end of first overtime forced another round of fire – with the Rangers emerging victorious on the backs of huge efforts from Andrew Harms (24 points), Tony Lewis (23 points, 16 rebounds) and Daequon Montreal (23 points, eight rebounds).
The win pushed Dandenong back into a positive winning record and third place in the SEABL East.
Dandenong’s women couldn’t also claim the win at the Minerdome, downed 70-75 by the Lady Miners.
The Rangers’ bookends were impressive – but failed to carry on the offence in the middle terms as Ballarat crept away after half time.
Amelia Todhunter put up another big game, snaring 17 points and Faith Probst (13 points, 10 rebounds) also posted big stats.
Lauren Scherf also impressed with 18 points and seven rebounds and will be a big out for the Rangers – heading to France as part of the Australian Gems under-19 tour.
“We allowed Ballarat to score too freely. Our defence needs to be a lot tighter than that and force contested, lower percentage shots,” Rangers coach Paul Flynn said.
“We gave up 20 more points than our average this season – this league is too good to get away with lapses like that.”
“To the girls’ credit, we didn’t lie down and put ourselves in a winning position with a minute to play and unfortunately we couldn’t get the stops required to get over the line.”
Dandenong maintains top spot in the SEABL East women’s conference and faces Brisbane away on 15 June.
