The Dandenong Rangers will play the Sydney Uni Flames in the WNBL grand final series after defeating the Perth Lynx 81-63 in game three.
With the semi-final series tied at 1-1, the Rangers blitzed the visitors early at Dandenong Stadium and withheld a second-half comeback to book their place in the championship series.
Rangers captain Stephanie Cumming led all scorers with 22 points and added eight rebounds, while Natalie Novosel (16) and Jacinta Kennedy (13) provided valuable scoring punch off the bench.
After a record-breaking 41-point haul in Perth's game-two victory on Friday night, Lynx star Sami Whitcomb finished with 20 points after going 0-for-5 from the field in the first half.
"I really want to acknowledge Perth in such an amazing series," Dandenong coach Larissa Anderson said after the match.
"They have been three tough, quality games ... I congratulate Perth on a fabulous season."
The Rangers suffered an early blow with Sara Blicavs picking up two quick fouls, forcing her to the bench with less than two minutes played.
But the home side countered with a smothering defensive effort to hold Whitcomb scoreless and double Perth's rebound count on the way to a 26-12 lead after one quarter.
Dandenong's domination continued in the second term as they built a 20-point lead midway through the quarter.
In desperate need of attacking options, timely contributions from Carley Mijovic and Tenaya Phillips steadied the Lynx, Whitcomb finally opening her account from the foul line to reduce the margin to 12 points at halftime.
Behind 41-29, Whitcomb hit two early baskets to put the Lynx within striking distance but Cumming responded by hitting from long range as she was fouled by Ruth Hamblin.
Cumming converted the four-point play to restore Dandenong's double-digit lead but Whitcomb's hot shooting continued and a late steal and lay-up cut the gap to six points with one quarter to play.
With a spot in the grand final up for grabs, the Rangers held firm in a tense final quarter as they reeled off nine unanswered points for an insurmountable 73-58 lead with three minutes to play.
Game one of the grand final series will be played on Saturday night in Sydney.
