Leilani Mitchell steps up scoring output to lift Dandenong Rangers Dandenong star Leilani Mitchell has a reputation as a "pass-first" point guard but, with some urging, she is quickly becoming one of the most potent scorers in the WNBL. The Australian-US dual citizen notched a game-high 27 points and nine assists as the Rangers beat Sydney University at Dandenong Stadium on Saturday. With both sides rated title contenders, the match was close until early in the final term when the Rangers' transition game wore down the Flames and they seized a match-winning lead. While Mitchell's dribble moves, outside shots and flashy passes caught plenty of attention, Rangers 200-gamer Jenna O'Hea almost had a triple double in her milestone game, after 18 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. New Flames import LaSondra Barrett was excellent on debut after 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Alicia Poto and Katie Rae-Ebzery both added 17 points. Both sides were perplexed by another U-turn from WNBL referees - 49 fouls were called for the match, a departure from the physical nature of matches previously. Rangers coach Mark Wright said it was a vital victory. "It was a really important game for both clubs and I'm glad we won it," he said. There will be bumps in the road, so getting the [season] split on them will be important. After holding just a four-point lead at the last change, the Rangers' athleticism and outside shooting helped them win the last quarter 25-14 as the home side dominated inside, scoring 42 points to 18 in all. "We went to a zone [defence] because we were fouling a lot," Wright said. They were shooting it well from outside, so I was on the edge of my seat when we started the zone but it let us protect our players from more fouls. Wright and Flames coach Karen Dalton said Mitchell proved the difference. "We have been asking her to be a little more selfish because she is a very 'team-first' sort of player," Wright said. We need her to score, we've lost a lot with Kathleen [Macleod] not playing this season. Today Leilani was excellent. Dalton said her side fell away after holding an early lead. "We had a 10-point lead then Mitchell took over and started creating havoc - we are nearly there but not yet and that is why Bendigo and Dandenong are the top two teams," she said. Mitchell said she was adapting to her new instructions. "Mark is always on my case," she said. I love making the pass and finding the open player but sometimes I need to be more selfish and look for the shot when I drive or am open outside. The Rangers visit reigning champions Bendigo this Friday in the final round before the Christmas-New Year break, and Mitchell said they were desperate for the win. "It's a match-up that has championship game potential," she said. They are tough to beat and it will be at their place - it should be exciting. The Flames play the Spirit at Bendigo Stadium on Sunday (December 15) at 2pm. Meanwhile, Melbourne Boomers star Rachel Jarry is confident she will be fit for the club's first game of next year. Jarry confirmed her return game would be the Boomers' trip to Bendigo on January 4. "I feel like I haven't been able to contribute yet, it's been hard sitting on the sidelines knowing I could help the team," she said. We'll get Christmas out of the way then I'll be back.