THE Bendigo Braves' season has gathered momentum following a 24 point win over the Melbourne Tigers on Saturday night.
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For the first time this season the Braves won their third-straight game, defeating the Melbourne Tigers 105-81.
C. J. Aiken led the way for the Braves with game-highs in points (30) and rebounds (10).
The American was well supported by fellow import Dyami Starks (28 points and four rebounds) and Adam Doyle (13 points and eight assists).
Jake Cowling again showed why he is one of the most improved players in the SEABL, finishing with 16 points and seven rebounds in 18 minutes of court-time.
Braves coach Ben Harvey praised his players' ability to respond when challenged during a 24-21 first quarter.
"The pleasing thing is we are starting to put teams away and we haven't done that all year," he said.
"We have only done that twice.
"In this league, it's not only hard to win but it's hard to put teams away and there was no doubt after the first quarter we had to adjust a few things.
"For us to keep winning, we are scoring well but we need to keep getting stops. Forty stops a game is we we are at and we did a rally good job defensively as a team."
The win was the Braves sixth from seven games at home and their fourth win in the last five games.
Harvey said features of the win was a solid team rebounding performance and Cowling continuing to make the most of his increased chances in the absence of co-captain Taylor Bell.
"Guys like him and Daniel Hansen are the future of this club," he said.
"Jake came off a really bad concussion the other week, but he trained really well this week.
"When you have to come up against C. J. Aiken and Matt Andronicos at training every night, I'm sure you are going to improve."
Meanwhile, the Bendigo Lady Braves have shot back to the top of the south conference ladder following a punishing 24 point win over the Melbourne Tigers.
Kelly Wilson led the Lady Braves in her return game with 17 points and nine assists, as four of her teammates finished with double figures.
Chloe Bibby had 13 points and eight rebounds, while Chante Black had a game-high 16 rebounds to complement her 12 points.
Bianca Dufelmeir continued her bright mid-season form with 11 points and five rebounds, and import Ashley Rininger had 11 points and seven rebounds in arguably the Lady Braves most complete performance for the season.
Monique Conti, who plays WNBL with the Melbourne Boomers, was the Tigers' best with 23 points.
The SEABL competition will take a break over the Queen's Birthday long weekend, with the Braves and Lady Braves next games against the Hobart Chargers on Friday, June 16.
