SLAM dunks, big threes and physical pressure were all there as the Bendigo Bank Braves beat Nunawading Spectres in the Anzac Day basketball match at Bendigo Stadium.
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In a contest marked by many momentum swings, Bendigo hit back from consecutive away defeats to win its first home game of the 2015 season.
Braves' coach Ben Harvey said there were many outstanding contributors in the 79-74 victory.
Bendigo fans found a new cult-hero in big American centre Jordan Vandenberg, 11 points and six rebounds.
Two slam dunks by Vandenberg and another by Grant Johnson were among many highlights.
Highly-rated recruits Johnson and Tony Lewis led Bendigo's attack.
A match-high 29 points by Johnson included eight rebounds.
"He is such an athletic guard," Harvey said.
"He has an incredible leap, is quick and strong."
A league MVP when at Dandenong, Lewis showed what an asset he will be for the Braves.
Lewis finished with 14 points, but more importantly was a game high 11 rebounds, five in offence and six in defence.
The play of Braves' co-captain Kevin Probert also earned praise from the coach.
"His leadership was outstanding. As co-captain he and Chris Hogan (co-captain) knew the challenge we faced."
Probert scored 12 points and dished out 11 assists.
"Tony Lewis is such a fierce competitor and Jordan (Vandenberg) showed what he can do.
"There are still areas for him and the team to work on, but the defensive play and rebounding was so much better this week."
The Braves led by 10 points in the third, but a Nunawading line-up led by Delwan Graham, 24 points, Simon Conn, 16; Breland Hogan, 10; and Jesse Caspersz, 9; hit back to take the lead early in the last quarter.
After a big week of mental and physical tests at training, Bendigo Braves would take the points this time.
