Bendigo Men impress in split weekend

McDonalds Bendigo Braves Men’s coach Stephen Black asked his side to lift for this weekend’s double header and they did, falling just short of recording two impressive wins.

Bendigo travelled to Albert Park to take on the Melbourne Tigers on Friday night and delivered one of their strongest performances of the year.

Billy Smythe’s 12 first-quarter points and quality defense saw Bendigo lead 34-18 at the first break.

The Tigers hit back in the second term, reducing Bendigo’s lead to just three at the main break.

Three three-pointers early in the third quarter from Rowan Mackenzie gave Bendigo some breathing space early in the term, and their shut-down defense restricted Melbourne to only 11 for the term.

The last quarter went basket-for-basket as Bendigo ran out winners 91-73.

Mackenzie topped all scorers with 24 points, Smythe finished with an impressive 21, Andrew Robinson 15, and Mitch Clarke and Koch Bar 13 each.

Bendigo backed up the following day against a star-studded Eltham team at Red Energy Arena, and again started well.

Tough defense and stable offense pushed Bendigo to a 14-point quarter time, and 11-point half time, lead against a team with two NBL stars on the roster.

Smythe was again impressive, scoring heavily inside, and even beyond the arc.

An entertaining third term ended with Bendigo’s lead down to eight, before Eltham ran away with the game, Bendigo going down 83-80.

Robinson (22 points), Mackenzie (18), and Smythe (15) were the main contributors on the scoreboard.

Coach Black was impressed with how his side performed over the weekend.

“It was a great weekend to coach this side,” he said.

“I loved what we did in both games. The guys played with the spirit and physicality that gave us a chance to compete, and that is what we look for.

“Everyone who stepped on the court gave us a heap of energy and enthusiasm.”

Black was full of praise for the efforts of Smythe and Mackenzie in both games.

“Bill had a great weekend. He really showed what he is capable of,” he said.

“He started for us, and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

“With a big off-season, the sky is the limit for him.

“Rohan is an elite player. He will be with the Australian 3x3 team this week and that is the level of player he is.

“He is still working through a very sensitive back injury, and he gives us everything every time he steps onto court.”

Photo - Craig Dilks Photography