Dandenong Rangers’ greater ability to find the ring allowed it to triumph over the University of Canberra Capitals in their WNBL match in Traralgon on Saturday night.
The Rangers defeated the Capitals 82-63 at Traralgon Sports Stadium, marking a stunning turnaround after Dandenong lost the two team’s previous encounter by 13 points just six days prior.
Dandenong led from the outset, leading 23-14 at the end of the first quarter before extending the margin to 21 points at half-time.
There was no let up from the Rangers in the third quarter as the margin extended to 27 points, with the Rangers leading 68-41.
The Capitals managed to push its opponents in the final quarter, outscoring Dandenong 22-14.
Dandenong managed to make 32 of its attempts, while the University of Canberra only managed to turn 22 into goals.
Co-captain Stephanie Cumming led the Rangers’ scorers, adding 18 points to the team’s tally.
Her fellow co-captain, Aimie Clydesdale, had 12, but it was the points off the bench that was another key factor in the win (28 compared to six the week before), led by veteran Jacinta Kennedy who was in double figures with 12.
Mikaela Ruef
The game was the first played in the region as part of a three-match deal between Latrobe City and Dandenong Basketball Association for the Rangers to play home games in the region.
As part of the deal, Dandenong will play one home game in the Latrobe Valley during the following two WNBL seasons.
The win gives the Rangers a 5-3 record and it will now take on Melbourne Boomers for the second time this season on Sunday at Dandenong Basketball Stadium.
After Saturday’s game, Dandenong is equal second on the ladder with Bendigo Spirit while the University of Canberra is sixth.
