By Nicholas Creely
WNBL REVIEW
THE Dandenong Rangers have been stunned, going down 80-73 to bottom-side Adelaide Lightning at home on Sunday afternoon.
Coming into the round, the Lightning were winless, while the Rangers were flying, but the tables were turned in an exquisite display in front of a strong Dandenong crowd.
Unforced turnovers and fouls were the downfall for the Rangers, who looked lacklustre from the start of the match, and despite a fightback later in the game, could not find a way to get the points.
Tayla Roberts was phenomenal for the Lightning, finishing with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Anneli Maley (16 points, nine rebounds) was huge off the bench.
For the Rangers, consistent performer Sara Blicavs led points with 19, while Ally Malott had a strong game with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Co-captain Steph Cumming was kept quiet but still contributed with 12 points, while Natalie Novosel was handy off the bench.
Rangers coach Larissa Anderson was furious at the lack of intensity among the group, but stressed that the group must re-focus on the next task at hand.
“I’m really, really disappointed – to be honest it was inexcusable how we came out – I have no doubt that us as a coaching staff will analyse every single sub and the vision,” she said.
“At the end of the day, our intensity wasn’t there and we weren’t doing anything – in patches we had great intensity, but the amount of silly, unforced mistakes and fouls were terrible – we have to try and leave it behind us.
“Credit to Adelaide, they have had a fantastic weekend, and they had a great win last night and they played well against us.
We clearly needed a break over Christmas, but that’s the risk, and I think we came out a little bit scratchy.
“I’m disappointed at how flat we were but we have to bounce back next week against the Boomers, in a big game for the club.”
Saturday 14 January will mark with 25th anniversary of the Dandenong Rangers, and will play the Melbourne Boomers in a crucial match in the context of the season.
Many past Rangers’ champions will be in attendance for the match, with the appearance of legendary basketballer Penny Taylor to be the marquee event of the celebrations.
