The Bendigo Bank Braves made their best start to a match this season as they raced to an eight-point lead by quarter-time of the men’s clash.

Sandringham struck back to be within a point at a quarter to play.

The Braves surged to an 11-point lead at 3.19 to go in the match.

Just two points separated the teams when Grant Johnson sunk a three-pointer for Bendigo at 15 seconds on the clock.

At the final buzzer the Braves celebrated a hard-fought 90-85 victory.

Bendigo coach Ben Harvey said the win was crucial  in the fight to climb the South East Australia Basketball League’s south conference ladder.

“We lost some focus at the defensive end and they gave us a scare,” Harvey said.

“It was a great win, but there’s still a lot to do. Our best basketball is yet to be played.”

A highlight for Bendigo was its scoring spread in which Grant Johnson, 22 points; Tony Lewis 15; co-captain Chris Hogan 14; and Michael Vigor 13; led the way.

Saturday night’s play at Sandringham tipped off with a 12-point victory for the Champions IGA Lady Braves.

In front by five points at half-time, Bendigo dominated the third quarter, 27-19.

The Sabres won the last term, 20-18, but Bendigo took the points, 77-65.

Talented forward Elyse Penaluna marked her return to the Lady Braves by scoring a match-high 23 points and nine rebounds.

Stacia Robertson, 20 points and 13 rebounds; Kelly Wilson, 17 points and eight rebounds; also played significant roles for Bendigo.

Stand-in coach Bernie Harrower racked up consecutive wins while in charge for Jonathan Goodman, who is overseas with the Australian Gems.

The Braves are home next Friday to play Launceston and NW Tasmania respectively.