By Nick Creely
THE DANDENONG Rangers have bounced back in empathetic style, dominating the Canberra Capitals in Traralgon on Saturday by 19 points.
The final scoreline of 82-63 actually flattered the Caps, who were completely outplayed from the outset.
It was a historic night in a way for the WNBL, who took their first game of elite women’s basketball into the Gippsland area.
And the enthusiastic crowd were not let down, as the Rangers played some quality basketball all game.
It was a stark contrast to the last time these two teams meet just six days ago, in which the Capitals played all over the Rangers.
This time around, the Rangers played all over the Caps, playing with great intensity, and lead the contest from start to finish.
The Rangers jumped the Caps 23-14 early, before blowing the lead out to 21 at half-time.
During the week, the Rangers placed a greater emphasis on rebounding, and they responded in grand style, leading this area 36-33.
Co-captain Steph Cumming continues to flourish, leading the points tally with 18, while Aimie Clydesdale and Best on Court Jacinta Kennedy continue to shine for the Rangers.
Rangers coach Larissa Anderson was full of praise for Kennedy after the match.
“She’s one of our hardest workers and most experienced players, and we knew she’d come out and have a good one,” she said.
Both the Rangers and Capitals sit in equal third position on the WNBL ladder, as the rivalry between the two clubs continues to grow.
The Rangers move to a 5-3 record ahead of their crucial home clash against the Melbourne Boomers next Sunday.
Key Stats
Points
Dandenong Rangers 82 (S.Cumming 18, J.Kennedy 12, A.Clydesdale 12)
Canberra Capitals 63 (K.Gaze 11, M.Ruef 11, M.Tolo 11, L. Mansfield 10)
Rebounds
Dandenong Rangers (S.Blicavs 8, S.Cumming 5, L.Scherf 5)
Canberra Capitals (M.Tolo 9, M.Ruef 7, L.Mansfield 6, K.Froling 5)
Assists
Dandenong Rangers (S.Cumming 5)
Canberra Capitals (L.Mansfield 4)
