The Rangers will now face off with the Sutherland Sharks in the ABA semi-finals next Saturday, August 25 at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

The Braves kicked off the game with a three-point shot from Jason Cameron, followed closely by a two-point swish from Ranger Vince Inglima that got the game going. From that point the Braves spent most of the quarter in front, until the Rangers showed the depth of their bench, bringing on Mehmed Bektas and Dwayne Campbell whom helped bring the score to 18-all with four minutes to go in the quarter.

The first break saw the scores at 32-30 in favour of the Rangers, but the Braves remained in front for much of the second quarter, bringing the score to 54-51 at the main break in favour of the visitors, despite great scoring performances from Ash Cannan with 16 points and Vince Inglima who played tough in the offence with 15 points.

Stern words from coach Warren Dawson at halftime was all the Rangers needed to fuel their fire in the third term, holding Bendigo scoreless in the first eight minutes of the quarter, whilst the Rangers scored 33 points to Bendigo's seven for the quarter.

Bendigo's defensive fouls continued to creep up with Dandenong holding their own well in the key, with only nine fouls to Bendigo's 17 that saw the Braves' leading scorer Cam Rigby in early foul trouble. By three-quarter time the Rangers remained cool, calm and collected whilst Bendigo were splitting at the seams, the Rangers 23 points in front at the third quarter break, with the game all but sealed.

The last quarter saw the Braves attempt a comeback but with Taylor Bell and Jason Cameron sidelined with six fouls apiece, the Rangers' cool heads prevailed, leading them to a successful win.

Vince Inglima ended the game with 27 points, whilst Ash Cannan put in another strong performance of 26 points and 13 rebounds and Brent Hobba rounded out the trio with 20 points and 15 rebounds to finish off the Rangers' strong night. Mick Wheeler and Dwayne Campbell were once again big contributors to the team, with the Rangers now looking to a big match against the Sharks this week which will see the winner play off for the ABA Champions trophy on Sunday, August 26 at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Article courtesy www.bigv.com.au