A determined Lady Miners' outfit broke free of a tight battle to defeat Knox Raiders 75-67 at the Minerdome yesterday.

It was the win the Ballarat Community Health Lady Miners needed to stay in touch with the top four of the South East Australian Basketball League.

But Ballarat coach Kym Cassells said a long season still lay ahead.

"Hopefully now we can string a few wins together to get back into the top four and there's plenty of games ahead but if you're not winning them, what's the point," Cassells said.

The win follows a disappointing double loss to Southern Districts in Brisbane last weekend _ but Knox entered the clash on eight-straight defeats.

Play was fierce from tip-off and while the Raiders had the edge early, the Lady Miners clawed their way back to level-pegging late in the second term.

Guard Prue Scott provided the spark the Lady Miners needed to break free of the Raiders' hold, when she sealed an inspirational three-pointer with two minutes left on the clock.

Her teammates responded to stretch a level margin out to eight points.

Michelle Musselwhite and Crystal Coston carried the scoring load with 23 points apiece and Chantal Allgood stepped up in the second half to chip in 12 points.

High pressure defence kept Knox play-maker Chantella Perera's impact minimal.

The Raiders guard was benched after notching up four personal fouls early in the third term and returned late in the match with two points to take her scoring tally to 10.

Sarah Graham was the Raiders' top scorer with 28 points, including a three-pointer trio, but was kept to four points in the final term.

Lady Miners' captain Lynley Doherty led Ballarat's defensive charge, receiving high praise from her coach.

"It was a real captain's game from Doherty," Cassells said.

"It set the tone for us through the match.

"She was hitting the boards everywhere."

The Lady Miners will look to consolidate their winning form against a floundering Frankston next week.

Cassells said her team could not afford to relax and would be out in full-force at the Minerdome on Saturday night.