The Lady Miners twice came from behind to keep the game alive and force it into fifth and sixth periods.

And then when they finally looked like getting over the line to complete back-to-back wins on the road - they defeated Albury-Wodonga on Friday night - it was the Sabres who rallied and took the honours 96-91.

It is the first time Ballarat has gone into double overtime since re-entering the SEABL in 2003.

Ballarat Community Health Lady Miners coach Kym Cassells said it was frustrating to return home empty-handed after getting so close to winning.

She said it was a game that could have either way.

"Disappointingly it didn't go our way."

Cassells said the battle highlighted how close the competition was shaping.

A win would have had the Lady Miners, fifth, pressing for third and firmly entrenched in the top six.

Instead two wins and two losses has them seventh.

Yesterday's tussle developed in a last-player-standing affair.

Ballarat progressively lost captain Karen Ashby, Rachel Jarry and Cass Hobbs to fouls.

Cayla Francis and Renae Camino suffered the same fate for the Sabres after being two of their most productive players offensively.

"It was very tough."

Cassells said in the end, Ballarat did not shoot as well as it needed to.

She was still pleased with the contribution from across the board, with players stepping up to help cover the absence of Chantal Allgood, who was unavailable.

Amy Lewis scored 25 points with eight rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Kristy Rinaldi also returned big figures with 12 points and 13 rebounds.