Determined to bounce back from defeat, Bendigo was in trouble in the early minutes as the Blues raced to a 7-3 lead.

The Braves’ defensive play in the second half of the first term and then throughout quarter two was outstanding on the Schweppes Centre showcourt.

Bendigo fought back to lead 25-15 by quarter-time and led 39-24 the long break.

The Braves’ attack, led by Kelly Wilson, Andrea Wilson, Lauren King and Jasmine Finnigan capitalised on the defensive dominance.

In the time Bendigo scored 28 points in 15 minutes, the Blues added just nine.

Although she did not score a point in the first half, Main led the rebounding, four in offence and four in defence.

The Braves led the rebounding tally 31-15 and had scored at 40 per cent from the floor.

Frankston had 35 field goal attempts in the first half, but sunk just nine.

The Blues’ attacking output lifted in the third quarter, but was matched by the home team.

Frankston surged within a dozen points in the third quarter as Marita Payne followed up a two-pointer with a defensive intercept that was capped by another two-point basket by Kylie Reid.

But the Blues battled to contain the Braves’ darting to the paint and then passing to a teammate in the clear.

A three-pointer by Reid from in the pocket with just two seconds on the shot clock capped a much-improved quarter by the Blues.

But for all its work, Frankston trailled by 15 points with a quarter to go.

It was basket-for-basket for most of the final term.

The Blues’ hopes dived when guard Jaime Wallis, who had scored seven points, landed heavily on her left ankle and was carried to the bench as the scoreboard showed Bendigo leading by 13 at 4.50 to play.

Wallis became the second Frankston player to have their match ended early because of injury.

At the final buzzer, Bendigo led 72-58.

Points - Bendigo: 28 K. Wilson, 13 J. Finnigan, 11 L. King, 8 A. Wilson. Frankston: K. Reid 14, M. Payne 12, C. Dover 9, J. Wallis 7.

Rebounds - Bendigo (51): 14 N. Main, 10 L. King, 8 J. Finnigan. Frankston (34): 10 D. Butler, 7 M. Bermingham, 6 M. Payne.