Chargers ready to hit back against Rangers

IT has been a tough week for the Hobart Chargers, but they’re not dead just yet.

The Chargers lost in heartbreaking fashion to Ballarat 81-77 in last week’s SEABL Southern Conference semifinal, meaning they missed out on a home grand final berth.

However, coach Anthony Stewart believes his side has reset and will produce a more physical brand of basketball in their preliminary final bout with Dandenong tonight.

The Chargers tackle Dandenong at the Derwent Entertainment Centre, with a spot in an away grand final against Ballarat up for grabs.

Hobart can make amends against a formidable Dandenong outfit tonight and Stewart said revenge was in their minds if they can qualify for next weekend’s grand final.

“It’s been a little tougher than I thought, the guys took it hard not to get the home grand final,” he said.

“But over the last 48 hours we have reset. There are no easy games in finals and Dandenong are another tough opposition.”

Stewart said he wanted a more menacing brand of basketball from his squad. “I’m hopeful of a more physical game using our bigs and our guards,” he said. “Transition basketball will be key for us. They [the Rangers] like to slow it down so rebounding will be key. The home-ground advantage will be massive.”

Hobart and Dandenong share one win each in the headto-head category this year, winning 117-82 in May and losing 74-67 in July. The Chargers finished just ahead of the Rangers in second this season.

Tip off is 7.30pm.