Double double-doubles get Rangers off to flyer

• Manuela Puoch and Amber Smith notch double-doubles in Dandenong's 98-73 victory against Diamond Valley
• Maddison Rocci records 23 points and 10 assists as Keilor dominates Mt Gambier 100-70
• Isobel Borlase steals the show with 25 points and 9 steals in Melbourne's narrow 79-74 loss to Sandringham

Dandenong @ Diamond Valley

The Dandenong Rangers opened their NBL1 campaign with a commanding 98-73 victory against Diamond Valley at Dandenong Basketball Stadium. Manuela Puoch delivered an outstanding performance with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Amber Smith added a double-double of her own with 20 points and 12 rebounds on an efficient 9-from-12 shooting from the field.

Despite Diamond Valley getting 23 points from Abbey Ellis and 17 from Tayha Watkins, the Rangers dominated the glass with a 51-30 rebounding advantage. Dandenong's Dallas Loughridge contributed 21 points as the Rangers built a commanding 26-point lead and shot an impressive 53.7% from the field compared to Diamond Valley's lacklustre 34.8%. Both teams now look ahead to Round 2, with Dandenong facing Eltham and Diamond Valley matching up against Knox.

Mt Gambier @ Keilor

Keilor Thunder delivered a statement win in their season opener, defeating Mt Gambier 100-70 at Keilor Stadium. Isabelle Bourne was on fire with 24 points on 71.4% shooting, including 4-from-6 from downtown, while Maddison Rocci recorded a double-double with 23 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds to lead the Thunder.

The Thunder's stellar offensive display featured 41.4% shooting from three-point range and 25 assists as a team. Isobelle Wightman contributed a perfect 8-from-8 from the field for 17 points, while Mt Gambier was led by Haliegh Reinoehl's 22 points and 10 rebounds in defeat. Keilor dominated in transition with 23 fast break points and controlled the interior with a 51-31 rebounding advantage, never trailing throughout the contest.

Melbourne @ Sandringham

Sandringham secured a hard-fought 79-74 victory against Melbourne at Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre despite an exceptional performance from Melbourne's Isobel Borlase, who exploded for 25 points and a remarkable 9 steals.

Haylee Andrews recorded a double-double for Sandringham with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Isis Lopes added 13 points and 4 steals. Melbourne's Sara Blicavs contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort. Sandringham was clutch from beyond the arc, shooting 50% on three-pointers (10-from-20) compared to Melbourne's dismal 17.4% (4-from-23). Despite Melbourne forcing 22 turnovers behind Borlase's defensive prowess, Sandringham's balanced scoring attack and superior outside shooting proved decisive in the five-point victory.