

In a one‑sided NBL1 South matchup on May 16, 2026, the Dandenong Rangers overpowered the Northern Force 116–93 at the Force’s home court. The Rangers’ explosive offense was too much for Northern, who struggled to contain Dandenong’s fast‑break attack and outside shooting.
Match Overview
Dandenong set the tone early, racing to a 32‑18 lead after the first quarter. The Rangers’ pressure defense forced nine turnovers in the opening period, leading to easy transition buckets. Northern fought back in the second quarter, cutting the margin to 56‑45 at halftime, but a 38‑point third quarter from Dandenong effectively put the game out of reach. The Force never recovered, and the Rangers cruised to a comfortable victory.
Key Moments
- Blistering Third Quarter: Dandenong outscored the Force 38‑19 in the third, shooting 65% from the field and hitting six three‑pointers.
- Bench Contributions: The Rangers’ reserves combined for 42 points, providing a spark that kept the pressure on Northern.
- Dominant Paint Presence: Dandenong outrebounded the Force 52‑36 and scored 56 points in the paint.
Standout Players
Rangers guard Tom Dixon was unstoppable, finishing with 32 points on 12‑of‑18 shooting, including 5 triples. Center James Hwang added 20 points and 15 rebounds for a dominant double‑double. For the Force, Alex West led the way with 24 points and 6 assists, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace.
Impact on the Season
The victory improved Dandenong’s record to 14‑3, cementing their place atop the NBL1 South ladder. Northern Force slipped to 5‑12, remaining near the bottom of the standings. The Rangers will aim to maintain their momentum, while the Force must regroup to avoid falling further behind.
