yogee
Years ago
Lightning lose to Dandenong
The Adelaide Quit Lightning were defeated 62-55 in their Price Attack Women's National Basketball League match by the Dandenong Jayco Rangers at The Lighthouse in Wayville, Adelaide on Sunday.
Adelaide, disappointed with the season ending knee injury to Sam Woosnam stayed with the Rangers for the first half of the game, but unable to keep their offence flowing in the third term, which turned out to be crucial to the result.
Dandenong, who came into this game top of the WNBL ladder, looked like a well oiled machine, players complementing each others playing style.
The first quarter started well for Adelaide, jumping out to an early five point lead, before Dandenong made their first basket, over three minutes into the game. The term was scrappy affair, with the Rangers having four turnovers for the period, and Adelaide five. Jennifer Screen opened strongly for Adelaide, scoring five points and leading all scorers into the first break, where scores were very even, the home team having a slight advantage 16-14.
Turnovers continued to be a factor in the second term, Dandenong losing the handle eight times, and Adelaide a further five. The game continued also to be a very even affair, the main break having the scoreline at 31 all. Jessica Bibby had eight points for the term, to be leading the game with 11, and Screen leading the Lightning with seven. Both teams were also finding it hard to connect with shots, both shooting under 35%, and also both recording 23 rebounds for the first half.
The third quarter saw the Lightning have one of their now regular scoring droughts, scoring only nine points for the term. After the game, coach Chris Lucas said he was not concerned about the recent fade-outs, stating that they were trying something different. The Rangers scored 16 for the term, with Jacinta Hamilton opening the scoring with four points from consecutive plays, and also Caitlin Ryan, hitting two game deciding three point shots. Dandenong managed to break out to a seven point lead during the term, and from there never looked threatened again. The score at the final break had the scoreboard showing Dandenong up 47-40 with Bibby leading the game with 11 points, and Screen still leading Adelaide, now with nine points.
The final quarter once again both teams were matched evenly with the scoring, both teams hitting 15 for the final stanza. Erin Phillips, managed to find some easier shots during the term, and Laura Summerton also finding the basket late in the game, but it was a case of closing the door after the horse had bolted for the home team. Dandenong were served well by Bibby again, and also Deanne Ranford for the term.
Dandenong coach Gary Fox was full of praise for the home team, saying, "we haven't won here for five years. Adelaide is a very tough team to beat at home." Coach Fox was also very happy with his teams unbeaten start to the season, sitting quite firmly at the top of the WNBL ladder.
SCORELINE
ADELAIDE QUIT LIGHTNING 55 (Phillips 13, Summerton 10 [11 rebounds]) defeated by
DANDENONG JAYCO RANGERS 62 (Bibby 11, Ryan, Hamilton 9)
At Wayville Sports Stadium, Adelaide 31 October 2004.
