FOR the second year running, the Symes Motors Bendigo Braves have finished runner-up in the South East Australia Basketball League’s national championship final.The Braves were outmuscled and outpointed as the Nunawading Spectres charged to a 27-point victory in Saturday afternoon’s play-off in the Crazy John’s-backed league at Dandenong Stadium.Spectres guard Shane McDonald was superb as he racked up a game-high 28 points to earn the MVP award in the 88-61 victory. Gallery: Bendigo Braves v Nunawading SpectresMcDonald had plenty of support as the David Biwer-coached Nunawading led for all but 24 seconds of the contest in the showdown between the south and east conference champions.The Spectres raced to a 7-1 lead after just two minutes as Eric Williams and Shane McDonald were on target from distance or in the key.Bendigo fought back strongly through the play of league MVP Ivan McFarlin, centre Sam Harris and Luke Meyer.A three-pointer by Chris Hogan made it 20-15 in favour of the Spectres at quarter-time.The Braves tipped off the second with Meyer (1) and McFarlin (2) on target, but that would be the closest the margin would be.Three-pointers by Meyer and Hogan kept the heat on, but the Spectres had the answers, usually from the sweet-shooting McDonald.A two-pointer by Braves captain Warren Randall was followed by a McDonald three, but Hogan matched that feat.The Braves hopes took a sudden dive when McFarlin limped off after injuring his left hamstring with 2.48 to go in the half.By the break Nunawading led 43-35 and McFarlin would spend all of the second half on the bench in what was to be a disastrous end to a brilliant season by the athletic forward from Missouri City in Texas.Bendigo’s attack in the first half was led by Hogan, 11; Sam Harris, 7; and Luke Meyer, 6.The Spectres quickly doubled their lead in the early minutes of the third quarter.Bendigo’s sole reply in a 10-2 run was by Meyer at the foul line.Young guard Matt Bartlett showed a lot of determination at both ends of the court and scored two points with his second attempt to a big roar from the Braves fans.The classy McDonald scored seven unanswered points before a Probert three-pointer.With a quarter to go, Nunawading led 65-47.The Spectres were relentless as they went on an 11-0 run in which Chris Cameron (5), McDonald (4) and Simon Conn (2) were on target.Bendigo finally replied through Sam Harris.Meyer showed the skill which earned selection in the All-Star Five in consecutive seasons with a three-pointer.What was to be Taylor Bell’s final shot as a Brave went swish through the net.Despite being well down on the scoreboard, Bendigo kept fighting with another of the club’s 200-game players, Chris Novak on target, and Meyer then capped a defensive steal by Barlett with another two points.In a match where the Spectres led every stat, their bench chipped in with a three-pointer from Michael Thorp, one from Darren Smith and two by Caleb Barry to complete an emphatic victory and the club’s first national championship title.