It was an evening of high drama with the Ballarat Miners nailing a 10-point win in overtime against arch-rival Bendigo to launch their South East Australian Basketball League campaign.

But the Ballarat Lady Miners were not so lucky in the curtain raiser, going down 61-79, in a much-anticipated grand final rematch with the Bendigo Lady Braves.

Aggressive defence, high scoring and big personalities took centre stage in the double-header blockbuster.

Miners recruits Jamal Brown and Marcus Toney-El added style and flair to a fast highly skilled match while Lady Miners import Crystal Coston and rising star Kristy Rinaldi shone in the womens.

Miners' veteran Eric Hayes returned to the court after a six-month retirement from the game.

And he was happy to be back.

"It's cool," Hayes said.

"It felt good. I was a little unsure at first but once I got going I was fine.

"It's a good crowd and our new fellas put on a bit of a show."

Hayes is still fine-tuning his assistant coaching role with head coach Shane Mathison and said it would take a couple of games to settle.

"I've got to make sure I keep that assistant coach mind-set when I'm on court," Hayes said.

The RetireInvest Miners gladly returned The Courier-Bendigo Advertiser Cup to the Minerdome trophy cabinet after the tough duel.