Knox Raiders Women Dominate Dandenong Rangers in NBL1 South Showdown

The Knox Raiders Women delivered a commanding performance on the road, defeating the Dandenong Rangers Women 91-73 in a National Women’s Basketball League1 South clash on May 23, 2026. The victory at Dandenong Stadium underscored Knox's growing momentum in the league standings, as they controlled the game from the outset and never allowed the Rangers to mount a serious challenge.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, the Raiders set an aggressive tempo, capitalizing on fast-break opportunities and strong interior defense. Dandenong struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm, frequently settling for contested perimeter shots. By halftime, Knox had built a double-digit lead, and they extended it further in the third quarter with a 26-17 spurt. The Rangers showed brief fight in the fourth, but the deficit proved insurmountable.

Key Performers

• Knox Raiders: The visitors were led by a balanced scoring attack. Point guard Amy Chen controlled the pace with 18 points and 9 assists, while forward Sarah Thompson added 22 points on efficient shooting. Center Lisa Grant contributed a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, anchoring the paint on both ends.
• Dandenong Rangers: Despite the loss, guard Mia Robertson kept the Rangers afloat with a game-high 24 points, including four three-pointers. Forward Jess Harcourt chipped in 16 points and 8 rebounds, but the team's overall shooting percentage of 38% hindered any comeback.

Tactical Story

Knox's defensive game plan centered on limiting Dandenong's transition opportunities and forcing the Rangers into half-court sets. The Raiders' switching defense disrupted passing lanes, resulting in 14 turnovers that translated into 19 points. Offensively, Knox exploited mismatches in the post, repeatedly feeding Grant and Thompson for high-percentage looks. Dandenong, meanwhile, relied heavily on perimeter play but shot just 7-of-23 from beyond the arc.

Standings Impact

The win improves Knox's record to 8-3, keeping them firmly in contention for a top-four playoff spot in the NBL1 South women's division. For Dandenong, now 5-6, the loss puts pressure on the team to string together wins in the upcoming road trip. The two sides are scheduled to meet again in late June at Knox's home venue.