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WNBL: Dandenong Rangers chase top tier wins to claim WNBL top spot
By Roy Ward
Dandenong Rangers aren't feeling the pressure as they face some of the WNBL's toughest teams in an attempt to lock down top spot.
The Rangers' latest test will be against last year's runners-up Perth Lynx in Perth on Sunday.
Tough task: Rangers coach Larissa Anderson is aiming to lock in top spot.Credit: Mick Connolly
If the Rangers win it will be their third victory over the Lynx this season and will all but lock down a finals place, although after holding first place for much of the season the Rangers are aiming much higher.
But first they need to beat the Lynx who are still chasing a top-two place and have reached season's best form in recent weeks.
Rangers coach Larissa Anderson said her side knew what they had to do against the Lynx.
"If we beat Perth it will be hard to fall out of the top four but we are not relying on just winning this game, we want to win every game," Anderson said. "We have Perth twice, Townsville twice and Sydney in our remaining games and they are all desperate for wins as they are in the finals race.
"I don't think the girls are feeling any pressure and I'm happy we have such a fantastic challenge to finish the season, it lets us see where we are at and if we can get over a good part of these games we will know we are ready for the finals."
The Rangers beat Melbourne Boomers 78-66 in the Australia Day eve game on Wednesday night and Anderson said her side had recovered well.
In their best wins the Rangers have had a range of offensive threats from regulars Sara Blicavs, Steph Cumming and Aimie Clydesdale plus Natalie Novosel, Ally Malott and centre Jacinta Kennedy – all of them will be needed against the high scoring Lynx.
The Lynx also had a win on Friday night, beating Adelaide Lightning 80-60 in Adelaide so both sides come into the game on the back end of a double weekend.
"There is no doubt we are in a position where we need to keep winning because things are so tight and we are trying to hold onto top spot," Anderson said.
"They will be very fired up and we've had good results against them the last two times. In those games we were very disciplined in our half-court offence, and defensively we stuck to our scout and what we needed to do."
Perth has some of the best three-point shooters in the WNBL with MVP candidate Sami Whitcomb, forwards Carley Mijovic and Toni Edmondson plus reserve guard Tenaya Phillips all dangerous from outside.
"They don't hesitate to shoot the three, Whitcomb in particular, so we are very mindful of that," Anderson said. "There is also still a lot of talent out there as well so we will be focused on the players we are guarding at any moment."
The Rangers play the Lynx at Bendat Basketball Centre in Perth on Sunday at 5pm AEDT.