This was published 7 years ago
Townsville Fire ride hot shooting to big win over Dandenong Rangers
By Roy Ward
Townsville Fire showed there is plenty of life left in their bid for a third-straight WNBL title with a dogged win over Dandenong Rangers at Dandenong on Saturday night.
With star centre Suzy Batkovic (26 points, 11 rebounds) on fire and shooters Micaela Cocks (25 points) and Mia Murray (20 points, six assists) on target, the Fire proved too much for the Rangers who were foiled by hot shooting and their own defensive lapses as the Fire won 92-78.
Ally Malott has her shot deflected by the Fire's Darcee Garbin. Credit: Mick Connolly
The loss stops the Rangers confirming their place in the finals while the Fire's win makes it much harder for them to fall from the top four and they could complete a massive weekend if they can win against fifth-placed Bendigo Spirit at Bendigo Stadium on Sunday.
The Rangers will rue a disappointing defensive effort in the second and third term as the Firemoved out to a lead and moreimportantly both Fire shooters found their range and continued to make pivotal shots for the rest of the game.
The Fire led by as much as 19points midway through the third quarter but Rangers guard Amelia Todhunter's hustle forced three Fire turnovers and led to a Batkovic technical foul as an inspired Rangers cut the lead to 75-63 at three-quarter time.
In the final term, the Rangers pulled to within eight points but the Fire did enough to push the lead back out with the two-time champions dominating the rebound count 44-26 and shooting 50 per cent from the field.
Rangers forward Sara Blicavs top scored for her side with 24 points while Steph Cumming added 16 points and Natalie Novosel 14 points.
Cumming said her players let themselves down when Cocks and Murray were able to catch fire.
"We sort of lost our bundle after the first quarter, we weren't following our scout or our defensive rules and that let them get away," Cumming said.
"That's exactly what happened [last game versus Perth], they are not big things but they are enough to cost us games.
"It kind of blew out but we need to concentrate on those little things and even if we are down make sure is isn't jumping out by as much as tonight."
The Fire looked in danger of missing the finals a few weeks back but even without injured import guard Natasha Cloud, the visitors found a good offensive groove although Batkovic said her side could do much better.
"I feel like we get into really good patches then break down forfive or six minutes each game which really kills us," Batkovic said.
"Today the girls did a great job of composure when things aren't going our way or the shots aren't falling or we make stupid turnovers.
"That's something about the girls today, they handled that and kept pushing forward to get that win.
"We fought through it today and found a way to get it done."
The Melbourne Boomers host Sydney University Flames at the State Basketball Centre on Sunday afternoon, while Bendigo Spirit play the Fire at Bendigo Stadium at the same time.