The Braves were outscored in three of four quarters in Saturday night’s contest at the Oakleigh Recreation Centre, eventually losing 84-97.

The reigning national champions found themselves under the pump early, when they trailed 26-18 at the first break.

Melbourne extended its lead by two points at half time, before the Braves provided a glimmer of hope with a 26-23 third quarter.

But as was the case all night, the Braves had no answers for top Tigers Ari Stewart and Daryl Corletto as the Tigers extended the margin to 13 points at game’s end.

Stewart finished with 36 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Corletto had 30 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Import C. J. Aiken led the way for the Braves with 24 points and six rebounds.

Co-captain Chris Hogan was the only other Bendigo player to hit double figures, contributing 18 points in his best game for the season.

The Tigers were able to keep star Braves import Dyami Starks to nine points.

Starks averaged 22.5 points per game in his first SEABL season, placing him second behind only the Hobart Chargers’ Mathiang Muo (22.8).

The Braves ended the season in fifth place in the south conference, their lowest finish since 2014.