The Miners bounced back from a 31-point loss to Bendigo Braves at Bendigo on Saturday night to defeat Mt Gambier Pioneers by nine points at the Minerdome yesterday.

Reed had been set to play after overcoming ankle trouble just days ahead of what should have been his Australian debut.

However, he did not get his work visa approved in time to suit up.

Ballarat Basketball Club general manager Robbie Burns had been confident the paperwork would be approved in time.

He said it was disappointing - especially finding out at the last minute.

Burns said he hoped the Immigration and Citizenship Department would process the visa to allow Reed to play against Albury-Wodonga in Albury on Friday night and North West Tasmania in Ballarat on Saturday night.

Jared Scoines was the player to stand up big time for the Wes Davidson Real Estate Miners over the weekend.

He led the way with 23 points against Bendigo and then ran himself into the ground with another 18 yesterday.

Scoines has joined the Miners from the New South Wales central coast, with NBL experience with the former Sydney West Razorbacks behind him.

Jamal Brown was, as always, tireless in producing 16 points-eight rebounds and 15 points-12 rebounds doubles.

Bendigo had too much depth for the undermanned Miners, with six players spreading the offensive load by shooting double figures.

New import Ivan McFarlin, recruited from SKK Kotwica in Poland, made an immediate impact for new Bendigo coach Ben Harvey with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Chris Hogan (14 points) and Warren Randall (16 points) were in their usual menacing form.

The Miners made a fist of it early in the battle for The Courier-Bendigo Advertiser Cup, but fell off in the middle stages.

Bendigo dominated 30-21 and 26-9 in the second and third quarters, and for Ballarat the game was well and truly gone.

It was a different scenario against Mt Gambier, which had beaten Frankston the night before.

The Miners set the tempo for most of the battle, answering every challenge to win 75-66.

Improved rebounding made a substantial difference.

Crushed on the boards by the Braves, Ballarat only just had the edge on the Pioneers, but this provided a key to turning around its fortunes.

Mt Gambier's big centre Andrew Rice and Dallas Jeffree loomed as the danger players, but disciplined defence controlled their influence.