WHILE it wasn't the way to end what has been a disappointing WNBL season, or the best send-off for coaches Dean Kinsman and Dale Waters, Dandenong's 82-81 loss against Adelaide on Saturday provided some hope for next season.

A tough season came to a close for the Rangers and with the announcement of Mark Wright as new coach, it's hard to know which players on the current list will be there next year.

Veterans Alison Downie (18 points) and Caitlin Ryan (17 points) staked their claim for a spot going forward against Adelaide, while Ashley Lindsey (16 points, 10 rebounds) kept the Lightning working hard.

An amazing 21 lead changes kept the crowd entertained as did the run-and-gun approach from both teams. Running and attacking was the game plan and to that end both teams executed well.

Leading by five points late in the final quarter, Adelaide looked home, but a late surge by Ryan dragged the margin back to one point with 11 seconds remaining.

Searching for a fairy-tale end to a tough season, the Rangers stole the ball with 10 seconds remaining but failed to convert.

Adelaide MVP Jess Foley proved to be the big difference, leading the visitors with 27 points.

Amazingly, Dandenong manufactured 25 more shots than the Lightning, yet as has been the case on numerous occasions this season, a poor shooting percentage was again an unwanted thorn.

Meanwhile, Bulleen Boomers will head into the WNBL finals as championship favourites after closing out the regular season with an eight-point win against Canberra.

Bulleen's victory cemented their favouritism, but the star of the show was Canberra's Lauren Jackson, who kept the huge crowd entertained with 40 points.