Hobba and former South Dragons teammate Ash Cannan (19 points, 12 rebounds, two assists) were standout performers for the Rangers, on target to win a second consecutive BigV title.

In his first appearance for the season Joe Ingles added 13 points, seven rebounds to the Sabres’ tally, but it was not enough to stop the fast-finishing Rangers edging out a win.

Ingles teamed with ex-Dragons point Adam Quick (21 points, two rebounds, four assists) and Sabres gun Simon Conn (10 points, 13 boards, two assists) to keep the Rangers in check for three of four quarters at Dandenong Stadium.

The home side raced out of the blocks to take a nine-point lead into the first break but were outscored 30-14 in the second term to be seven points down at the major change.

It was neck and neck for much of the third term as both teams battled to gain the upper hand. While the Sabres dominated the boards, Dandenong was on fire from the field and shot its way out to a one-point lead at the final break.

The Rangers outscored Sandringham 35-21 in the final term to secure their eighth win for the season.

While the clash rounded out the Rangers’ weekend, Sandringham returned to the court on Sunday to take on out-of-form Latrobe City.

In front of a packed house at Sandringham Stadium the Sabres downed the hapless Pacers 140-90, with Ingles and Conn again stealing the show.

At the end of Round 7 the Rangers (8-1) remain at the top of the table with Sandringham (6-2) in third.

In SEABL action, Matt Shanahan’s Ballarat Miners went down 109-104 to the AIS on Sunday.