BENDIGO Braves have rebounded from their first defeat of the SEABL season to score a convincing victory against Canberra Gunners on Saturday.
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The Braves, who suffered a four point defeat to Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence (COE) on Friday night, reacted fiercely against the Gunners, scorching the home side for 32 points in the opening quarter of their clash at Belconnen Basketball Stadium.
Canberra, led by forward Broderick Doran (15 points) and centre Eric Gaff (11 points and seven rebounds), was able to claw back six points over the next quarters, but the Braves steadied and were able to put the seal on an 88-72 win by outscoring the Gunners 20-17 in the final term.
The Braves were powered by another stand-out performance by star import Jeremy Kendle, who had 29 points, five rebounds and five assists.
The American, who won the league’s MVP award in 2016, had given his all in trying to help prevent the Braves from defeat against the CEO, with a mammoth 36 points, six rebounds and five assists.
It was another big weekend for fellow import Ray Turner, who had 32 points and 10 rebounds against Canberra, and 30 points, eight rebounds and four assists against the competition’s young guns.
A strength in their early season wins, the Braves were only able to manage nine-points from their bench in the 87-91 loss to the COE, which came up with 22 of their own.
Six of the nine came from the hand of co-captain Taylor Bell, who also had four assists.
The bench totalled only nine again against the Gunners, a week after producing 20 points in a win against Albury-Wodonga Bandits and 16 against Mount Gambier.
A quiet game for point guard Indiana Faithfull against the CEO was rectified with an effort of 12-points, four rebounds and three assists against Canberra.
Captain Alexander Mudronja presented the Braves with most difficulties in the loss against the COE.
The point guard scored 28-points and had five rebounds and six assists in a spectacular all-round performance.
Daniel Grida was also a stand-out with 18-points and eight rebounds.
Nunawading Spectres loss to Dandenong Rangers on Saturday means no team is undefeated this season.
The Braves, who play Melbourne Tigers this weekend, are level on five wins and one loss with the Spectres.
Kilsyth Cobras, Ballarat Miners and the COE are all 4-1 in a tight race at the top of the league ladder.
