Big crowd spurs on Bendigo to a win

It wasn’t pretty, but there were a lot of positives from the Bendigo Bank Braves Men’s win against the Melbourne Tigers at Red Energy Arena on Saturday night.

In front of the biggest home crowd of the season, Bendigo stood up when it mattered most, strangling Melbourne in the last quarter to win 70-60.

Bendigo’s biggest lead of the night was at the final whistle, with a scrappy game resulting in multiple lead changes throughout.

Bendigo led by six at quarter time and three at the main and final breaks.

A remarkable defensive effort, led by Mitch Clarke, saw Bendigo keep Melbourne scoreless in the last half of the final quarter, while scoring eight points themselves.

Kuany Kuany again topped all scorers with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Sidy Djitee (16 points and 10 rebounds) and Clarke (12 points, six rebounds, and two key steals), were also instrumental in Bendigo’s win.

Coach Stephen Black said he was impressed how his team responded after half time.

“For us to hold a team scoreless in the last five minutes when the game was in the balance is something we are proud of,” he said.

“Our defense in the last quarter was more in line with what we were shooting for all night.

“And to be two rebounds down at half time and win that stat by 20 showed the massive commitment of our guys.”

Black was also complementary of the big home crowd.

“It was a brilliant crowd. (General Manager – Sport) Ben DeAraugo and his team have worked very hard to bring in a few changes and engage more people,” he said.

“The atmosphere was brilliant. There was noticeably a large amount of people in the stands, and to see so many on the court afterwards was fantastic.”

Bendigo finishes its regular season with a double-header on the road next weekend, against Kilsyth on Saturday night and Ballarat on Sunday afternoon.

Photo - Akuna photography