ROY Booker and Ken Horton took Ballarat Miners' game to a whole new level in overtime for a three-point win against Albury-Wodonga on Saturday night.
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Their big play included a huge alley-oop to seize control for the GMHBA Miners - and have the MARS Minerdome crowd on its feet.
The Miners thriller capped off a double win for Ballarat Miners and Rush for the first time this South East Australian Basketball League season.
Booker scored 41 points (eight in the overtime period), including nine three-pointers, and six assists.
Horton was just as influential with 30 points (seven in overtime) and 17 rebounds (12 in defence).
It was a close call for the Miners, who surged out to a 22-5 start midway through the first quarter and again powered to a 17-point lead early in the fourth quarter.
Earlier, Ballarat Rush was locked in a close battle with Albury-Wodonga with key players Steph Cumming (dislocated finger) and Sophie Alexander (shoulder) sidelined.
Young gun Abbey Wehrung led the charge offensively with 27 points and effectively nullifying dangerous Lady Bandit Montana Farrah-Seaton to a three-point second half when given the job to lock her down.
Integra Rush coach Peter Cunningham said this match was not based on the usual scores and efficiency statistics - he wanted his team to know it could fight out a good, strong win with key players missing.
Ryleigh Haire played her first minutes for Rush this season, Nya Mason (18 points, seven rebounds) was strong, captain Kristy Rinaldi carried out important one per centers and youngster Kasey Burton made a good impact with 15 points from almost 30 minutes on the floor.
The Miners and Rush now prepare for a Tasmanian road trip next weekend.
MEN
MINERS 26 46 72 84 101
BANDITS 17 40 62 84 98
WOMEN
RUSH 21 38 66 84
LADY BANDITS 22 38 59 81