A Friday night stop in Hobart produced a defensive game with the home team grabbing the ascendancy after a slow start to produce a 87-76 win.

The Rangers looked good in the first quarter, grabbing a 26-18 lead on the back of some great hustle and slick shooting. However, all the good work came undone in the second period when the home team struck back with a 30-18 run.

The second half proved to be a tight affair, with Hobart holding sway throughout to register the win.

Dandenong's best included Brent Hobba (24 points, 17 rebounds) and Vince Inglima (17 points), while Dusty Jura chipped in with 14 points.

Saturday night's trip to Devonport to take on North West Tasmania resulted in a 109-95 loss, with game stats unavailable.

With seven wins from 20 games, the Rangers will be hoping their fortunes turn around this Wednesday night when they travel to take on Knox. The highly anticipated showdown tips off at 7.30pm.

Meanwhile, the Dandenong women fared a little better on the road by celebrating a 72-66 win in Launceston.

Down by three points heading into the last period, the Rangers stormed home with a 24-15 quarter to snare an important win. Best on the night included Chelsea Burns (16 points), Faith Probst (13), Jaimie-Lee Jeffs (12) and Claire Fitzgerald (11).

Still with a chance of making the top six, the Rangers sit eighth on the ladder and must continue their winning form over the last month of the regular season if they are to push past the likes of Nunawading or Ballarat.

The Australian Opals will play the Chinese national women's team at the Dandenong Basketball Stadium on Friday, August 21.

Dandenong Basketball Association general manager Graeme Allen said it would be the only game the Opals would play in Melbourne.

"Both teams will train here in the morning and it will be a great opportunity for people to come along and watch them. It's the first time the Opals have played in Melbourne since their gold medal-winning performance at the Commonwealth Games."

Allen said the Opals would also hold an all-day training camp at the Stud Road stadium on Tuesday, July 21.

He confirmed the WNBL Dandenong Rangers had signed boom American recruit Ashley Simpson from the University of Texas.

"She is athletic, and has a bit of aggression. She is a gun player and is sure to attract a cult with Dandenong fans with the way she plays."