Rangers In D League Semi Finals
Finals fever has hit D League, with semi final action tipping off this weekend. For the Dandenong Rangers, both the women’s and men’s teams will line up in a bid to extend their season to the final week of competition.
The Rangers women will play host in their semi final match up at Dandenong Stadium, Saturday 6.00pm and will face off against arch rivals, Knox Raiders. These two teams have battled it out in both the 2010 and 2011 D League grand finals - only one will make it through in 2012.
Dandenong finished the regular season with an impressive 17 win - 4 loss record, one game behind minor premiers Nunawading. Hit with a number of injuries over the course of the season, the Rangers line up has featured 21 players, including 9 D League debutants, emphasising the depth of Dandenong Basketball’s program.
Against Knox in 2012, the Rangers hold a 2 win - 1 loss record, with both wins coming at home at Dandenong Stadium, a venue that has only seen 1 loss this season. The Rangers will be looking for that home record to continue this weekend as they look to qualify for their fourth consecutive D League grand final.
Dandenong’s men will have to wait the extra day for their semi final, venturing to Kilsyth on Sunday for a 1.30pm showdown against the Cobras.
The Rangers finished the regular season in third position, with a 14 win - 7 loss record behind Knox (1st) and Kilsyth (2nd). Dandenong however hold the head to head advantage over Kilsyth, going 2-1 against the Cobras in 2012, ensuring that this matchup is sure to be a fantastic battle.
A total of 16 players have suited up for the Rangers in 2012 D League men’s competition, with all players contributing towards a successful regular season and semi final birth.
The Rangers will be looking for strong all round contributions this Sunday, as they have looked ominous when their inside-outside combinations fire on all cylinders. Dandenong will be looking to hold their advantage over the Cobras this weekend and qualify for their first D League grand final.
WOMEN’S SEMI FINAL - SATURDAY 4TH AUGUST
DANDENONG STADIUM, 6.00PM
DANDENONG RANGERS v KNOX RAIDERS
MEN’S SEMI FINAL - SUNDAY 5TH AUGUST
KILSYTH SPORTS CENTRE, 1.30PM
DANDENONG RANGERS v KILSYTH COBRAS
