Positive signs for Bendigo in physical game

Bendigo Bank Braves Men’s coach Stephen Black said his team will take a lot of positives away from Thursday night’s game against the Ballarat Miners, despite coming away with a loss.

A physical, fast-flowing and high-scoring game saw Bendigo go down 100-118, but Black was happier with this performance than he was with last week’s 14-point loss.

“We certainly demonstrated the pace and style we want to play and I was pleased with how we went about it,” he said.

“There were really positive signs and we are starting to embrace who we want to be.

“The execution just wasn’t there, especially at the defensive end, and we have a good opportunity and a few sessions now to train and get better.”

The first quarter was emblematic of the whole night, with both teams going on runs and seemingly scoring at will.

The Braves’ perimeter shooting was impressive in the first term, hitting five from nine. It kept them in the contest, as it did for the rest of the game.

Ballarat started to pull away midway through the second term, with Bendigo unable to claw back despite a strong shooting night

Lat Mayen’s absence gave Isaac Murphy an opportunity to step up, and he took it with both hands. 

“Murph is a quality young player and person. With Lat out on Thursday night he stepped in and was invaluable at both ends of the court,” Black said.

“Isaac Turner also had a god night. He’s  a very talented offensive player and a proven performer in this league.

“His intensity was great and he benefitted from us moving the ball significantly better this week.”

Turner top scored for Bendigo with 26 points, including six from beyond the arc.

Murphy finished the night with 20 points and eight rebounds, Johnson 13 points and seven assists, and Luke Rosendale had another strong night with 12 points.

Photo - Craig Dilks Photography