THE Champions IGA Bendigo Lady Braves scored a hard-fought victory in Saturday night's basketball clash on their home court against Geelong Supercats.
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Back on the sidelines for the first of several games as caretaker coach, Bernie Harrower was rapt with Bendigo's effort in a 71-67 victory.
Bendigo led 22-14 at quarter-time before the Supercats clawed back to be 38-all at the long break.
A calf injury forced Braves' guard Kerryn Harrington to the bench and out of the game in the second quarter.
"Kerryn had dominated a lot of the first half," said Harrower.
After the long break it was the experienced Jane Chalmers who played a key role for Bendigo.
"Apart from 30 seconds off court to clear blood on her knee, Jane played every minute of the match.
"Her play was sensational," the coach said of a 13-point and six rebound tally.
Harrower has watched Chalmers do plenty over the years, firstly when he was coaching the Lady Braves and then at Bendigo Spirit.
Stacia Robertson, 25 points and nine rebounds; and Stephanie Bairstow, 14 points and 11 rebounds; also starred for Bendigo.
Maddi Wild, who plays college basketball in the US, played her first game of the SEABL season for the Lady Braves.