Veteran Rangers Just Dandy
Tagged in: Tall Ferns
Warning: file_exists() [function.file-exists]: open_basedir restriction in effect. File(/var/www/vhosts/basketball.org.nz/httpdocs/resources/uploads/2007/10/isnz_35417_jh-edit.thumbnail.jpg) is not within the allowed path(s): (/home/bbnz/:/tmp:/usr/local/lib/php/) in /home/bbnz/domains/tallblacks.org.nz/public_html/wp-includes/post.php on line 3943
The Dandenong Rangers stretched their winning streak to three straight game by defeating a gallant Christchurch Sirens 85-61 in the Australian Defence Force WNBL.
It was the experienced heads of the Rangers Michelle Brogan, Shelley Hammonds and Larissa Anderson that saw Dandenong turn a two-point quarter time deficit into a comfortable 24-point win.
In her first WNBL game since the 2003/04 season, Brogan tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds in 19 minutes on court while Hammonds bagged 13 points and five rebounds and Anderson contributed 12 points and five rebounds in support.
Alison Downie (nine points), Caitlin Ryan (eight points) and Rachel Flanagan (eight points) also made valuable contributions for the Rangers.
Kiwi international Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe scored a game-high 18 points to lead the Sirens, while Donna Wilkins and US import Lamisha Augustine added 13 points and 10 respectively.
The Sirens won the first quarter 21-19 thanks to a major improvement in their field shooting, connecting on seven of their nine shots, but like their first three WNBL matches, all losses, their shooting fell away badly.
The Rangers blitzed the Sirens 24-8 in the second term, the Rangers netting 10 field baskets to the Sirens four which saw Dandenong open up a 43-29 halftime lead.
True to form, Christchurch made their opponents earn their win, only losing the third quarter 18-17 before the Rangers skipped away in the last quarter which they won 24-15.
The Sirens will leave Melbourne in the morning to face the undefeated Sydney Uni Flames at the State Sports Centre – part of an WNBL/NBL double header at the State Sports Centre.
Dandenong coach Dale Waters gave all of his players court time last night including youngsters Elizabeth Cambage, Clare Papavs and Amelia Todhunter.
The Rangers next game is also against Sydney Uni, a home match at the Elphin Sports Centre in Tasmania on Saturday night, October 27.
