The Dandenong Rangers opened their best-of-three WNBL semi-final series with an impressive 73-66 win over the Perth Lynx.
The second-placed Rangers made the most of their home court advantage with a decisive 25-9 second-quarter surge helping to secure a one-nil series lead, though the fans at Dandenong Stadium faced some anxious moments as Perth made a late run.
With the game at 14-all late in the first quarter, the Rangers outscored Perth 31-9 to build an imposing 45-23 halftime advantage.
Stephanie Cumming tallied 21 of her game-high 25 points in the opening half with Dandenong restricting Perth to a lowly 23.7 shooting percentage.
Facing a huge deficit after three quarters, League MVP candidate Sami Whitcomb (24 points) and Tessa Lavey (11) gave the Lynx hope as they triggered a 17-3 run to open the final term.
Dandenong steadied late with Amelia Todhunter's triple and a jump shot from Natalie Novosel wrapping up the match.
Sara Blicavs gave Dandenong the fast start with six early points but the match appeared to settle into a tense defensive battle before consecutive baskets from Cumming gave the home side a 20-14 lead after one quarter.
Cumming stayed hot in the second term with Novosel (15 points off the bench) and Jacinta Kennedy chipping in as the Rangers launched a 17-0 run that swung the match in their favour.
Game two of the semi-final series will be held in Perth next Friday night.
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