THE Bendigo Bank Braves answered a spirited challenge to score an 18-point victory against Frankston Blues in Sunday's South East Australia Basketball League men's clash.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Although last on the ladder, Frankston took it right up to Bendigo in the first half on the Braves' showcourt at Bendigo Stadium.
The Blues led 8-7 early in the clash, but once Tony Lewis nailed two of of what would be a match-high 26 points the Braves would not relinquish the lead.
In the opening term, Lewis scored 12 points as the Blues kept pace through the play of Linton Robbie, two three-pointers, and centre Matthew Turner, six.
The Braves' eight-point lead at the start of the second quarter was cut quickly as the Blues scored six unanswered points.
Bendigo then went on a seven-nil run through the play of Lewis (3) and Josh Wilcher (4).
By half-time the Braves led 43-36.
Frankson led the rebound duels, 23-21, but was let down by scoring from just six of 13 trips to the free-throw line.
The Braves upped the defensive intensity in the third quarter.
A 9-2 run by Bendigo included a three by co-captain Chris Hogan and consecutive three-pointers by Lewis.
The Braves won the term, 30-20, and seized control of the rebounds, 8-2.
It was basket-for-basket for most of the final term.
At the final buzzer Bendigo led 92-74.
Braves' coach Ben Harvey said he was always wary of what the Blues could do.
"Four of their defeats had been by four points or less, and they were within two points of Nunawading late in Saturday night's game.
"We knew we could not afford to take them lightly."
Harvey said Lewis, 26 points and 10 rebounds, was outstanding at both ends of the court and Wilcher's desperation, 10 points and four rebounds, lifted the team.
Hogan, 13 points; Johnson, 11 points; Michael Vigor, 10 points, also played well.
Youngster Jordan Mangan also racked up valuable court time.
The Braves play at Mount Gambier next Friday night.
