This was published 7 years ago
WNBL: Canberra Capitals see off Dandenong Rangers
By James Hall
Still reeling from Saturday night's loss in Bendigo, Lauren Mansfield put on a show on Sunday afternoon to lead the Canberra Capitals to a dominant 83-70 WNBL win over the Dandenong Rangers.
The point guard embodied the team's frustration and used that to play what coach Paul Goriss labelled her best game yet.
Canberra guard Lauren Mansfield adds an assist to her game-high 29 points. Credit: Mick Connolly
She moved the ball swiftly and was ruthless in attacking the ring, scoring 29 points and shooting four from six from beyond the three-point line.
"I've got the great opportunity to coach her and she was obviously very good last year with South East Queensland but this was her best game for us," Goriss said.
Canberra's Michaela Ruef is confronted by the Rangers' Ally Malott.Credit: Mick Connolly
"It's the best all-round game with shooting, being aggressive and involving teammates."
The Capitals scored just 58 points against the Bendigo Spirit on Saturday but the long drive back into Melbourne that night and the game in Dandenong the next afternoon provided a chance to show their as they responded with a 13-point win.
In round one the Capitals surrendered a big lead to lose at home to the Rangers, but this was not going to happen again.
"The character of this group is really strong and resilient, there's always the fight," Goriss said.
"We don't want to lose and we don't expect to lose, and the way they bounced back today and played with energy and effort after a tough night shows their character and belief."
Mansfield agreed with Goriss and said her improved shooting encouraged her to lift throughout the game.
"I tried to be a bit more assertive and really attacked the basket with aggression," she said.
"I was disappointed from our game in Bendigo, so I really wanted the win."
Marianna Tolo again recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, but she stamped her mark on the game in her favourite way with five blocked shots.
The Capitals are now fourth on the ladder with three wins and two losses but are just one win behind the leaders and are improving each round.
WNBL ROUND 5
Saturday: Bendigo Spirit 70 (N Raincock-Ekunwe 22, K Griffin 14 points; K Griffin 12, G Richards 9 rebounds) bt Canberra Capitals 58 (M Tolo 19, L Mansfield 16 points).
Sunday: Canberra Capitals 83 (L Mansfield 29, M Tolo 18 points; M Tolo 11 rebounds; M Tolo 7 assists) bt Dandenong Rangers 70 (S Cumming 22; S Blicavs 11 rebounds; S Cumming 6 assists).