SUPERB defence was a key factor as the Champions IGA Bendigo Lady Braves scored a 23-point victory in Friday night’s basketball clash with Ballarat Rush.
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On the rebound from defeat, the Lady Braves were in control for most of the contest at Bendigo Stadium.
The Jonathan Goodman-coached Bendigo won the rebounding duels, 44-32, and almost hit double figures in steals.
The Lady Braves tally of eight steals included three by guard Jane Chalmers and two by forward Lasondra Barrett.
A closely-fought opening quarter ended with Bendigo in front, 16-10.
By half-time the margin was out to eight points.
Lauren King was on a match-high 11 points, with Abigail Wehrung best for Rush on nine.
Bendigo surged to a 14-point lead early in the third term before consecutive baskets by Rush.
A Jane Chalmers three was followed by King being on the end of a series of passes around the key to cap off a mid-court steal by Chalmers.
By three quarter-time the Lady Braves held a 17-point buffer.
Steals by Chalmers and Barrett were capped by more points as Ballarat battled to break through a tight-knit defence.
For more than four minutes Rush had added just three points.
Ballarat capitalised on some wayward shots by Bendigo to be back within 16.
A Heather Oliver steal ended with another two points.
The Lady Braves kept on peppering the basket on their way to a 62-39 win.
Bendigo centre Alex Bunton achieved a match-high 14 points and won nine rebounds.
King 13 points, five rebounds; Barrett 11 and six; and Chalmers on nine and five, led the way.
Best for Rush were Wehrung, 11 points and 10 rebounds; Nya Mason, 8 points; and Stephanie Cumming, seven points.