By JARROD POTTER
IT’S finally WNBL finals’ time.
The Dandenong Rangers head to face Bendigo Spirit in Bendigo on Sunday afternoon, following the Rangers’ third loss in a row – this time conceding their second loss on the road to Adelaide this year.
The Lightning struck early against the Rangers racing out to a 43-24 lead by half time as Angela Marino (18 points) and Jenny Screen (10 points) found their range.
Despite a 36-23 final term to reel in an Adelaide 21-point lead, Dandenong couldn’t hit its straps hard enough and fell six-points short at the final siren as a disappointing season for the Lightning drew to a close.
Jenna O’Hea (29 points, 5 assists) led the charge in her usual manner while Alice Kunek (16 points), Kayla Pedersen (13 points, 7 rebounds) and Natalie Novosel (10 points, 8 rebounds) all chipped in for double-digit tallies.
It’s not an ideal lead in to the finals for Dandenong – conceding losses to Bendigo, Melbourne and now Adelaide consecutively to finish the home and away season with a 16-8 record, only besting Townsville by its record against the Fire this year.
Dandenong heads to Bendigo for the first semi-final and the right to host the WNBL grand final for the victor. The Spirit has beaten the Rangers in their last nine contests and Dandenong will hope to make amends for that record on Sunday afternoon at 1pm.Tickets are on sale via Dandenong Basketball Association, with payments able to be made over the phone at the Dandenong Basketball Stadium on 9794 7192 or in person at the stadium.
Tickets to be collected at Bendigo Stadium under the family name and all Rangers’ fans will be seated together directly behind the Ranger’s bench.
