By ROY WARD
DANDENONG Rangers have met their toughest opponent in their quest for a second straight WNBL title. Now the team has to learn what it needs to do beat new title favourite Bendigo Spirit.
The Rangers shot terribly and made crucial errors in their 79-72 loss to the Spirit at Bendigo Stadium on Saturday night yet were still in the running with three minutes to go before Spirit superstar Kristi Harrower made two key baskets to seal the win.
Harrower was the game-high scorer with 20 points while Kath Macleod led Dandenong with 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Jenna O’Hea, despite shooting just 3-13 from the field, added 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for the Rangers.
The Spirit’s win gives it a two-game lead over the Rangers at the top of the WNBL ladder with two rounds to go until the Christmas break, and with the Spirit facing two matches against Logan and one against Townsville, they should reach the holidays without incurring another loss.
At the same time the Rangers now face a tricky clash with in-form Sydney University Flames at Dandenong Stadium this Saturday night.
The Rangers will be aided by the Flames having to battle Bulleen the night before their visit to Dandenong.
Against the Spirit, the Rangers shot just 38 per cent from the field and 0-11 from the three-point line, and missed eight free throws. Add to that 11 of their 14 turnovers coming after half-time and it was easy to see how they lost to the Spirit.
Rangers coach Mark Wright said his side had to do better from now on. “We will go back and look at this match and we will get better.”
The Rangers take on Sydney University Flames at Dandenong Stadium from 7pm this Saturday night.
