Miners Seek First Home Win in Rivalry Match

8/4/14

The GMHBA Ballarat Miners are looking to bounce back this week against the Bendigo Braves at the MARS® MINERDOME after falling last week to the Nunwading Spectres.

The Braves suffered their first loss of the season last weekend against Frankston, and are also looking to get back on the winning side of things. Imports Dustin Salisbery and Zach Atkinson have been great additions for the Braves, as they are averaging 23 and 20 points respectively, with Atkinson shooting at 60% from the field and also grabbing 12 rebounds per contest.

Salisbery and Atkinson will be looking to improve on their form in last week’s loss, where Salisbery scored 22 points, and Atkinson scored 24 points on 71% shooting and pulled down 12 rebounds, albeit in a losing effort. Veteran and co-captain Kevin Probert also pitched in 18 points, and will be looking to lead his team to victory this weekend.

While the Miners went down against Nunawading last weekend, there were many positives to draw from the contest. Captain Liam Gibcus seems to be finding his feet within the competition and shot 69% from the field to score 20 points for the Miners. Imports Roy Booker and Ken Horton are also becoming more comfortable in the Miners’ system, scoring 23 points apiece against the Spectres – Horton with 10 rebounds and Booker with nine assists. The younger players are also continuing to make the most of their minutes, with Ash Constable coming in and scoring eight points and securing three rebounds in the game.

Success for the Miners will lie in their ability to contain the Braves imports, and maintain the solid team chemistry they have been building on since the start of the season. An exciting game is in store as this contest between the two long-time rivals is always one to have emotions on high.

Tip-off at the MARS® MINERDOME will begin at 8:30pm following the Rush game, which starts at 6:30pm.