A 24-point win against conference rival Brisbane marks one win down and two important home games to go in a critical period for the Miners in the South East Australian Basketball League – Brisbane, like the Miners, are fighting to break into the east conference top four and finals contention.

But the balanced nature of the Miners’ game, sustained for four quarters in keeping the Spartans at bay, was most impressive.

New Zealand international Everard Bartlett was the headline act with his skillful work and sharp shooting – Bartlett made 22 points and seven assists, and opened the charge with an 11-point first quarter.

Miners coach Eric Hayes said Bartlett was back to his best.

“Ev arrived with a nice bounce in his step before the game and came out really strong for us,” Hayes said. “He started off that way for us when he first got here then with player changes and everybody coming back he went a little quieter getting the team organised and finding his place again.”

American Gregg Thondique (19 points, 12 rebounds) continued to entertain Miners’ fans with his athletic game that featured a couple of dunks, nice passing and strong rebounding.

Liam Gibcus’s strong physical presence by the post was rewarded with a couple of good looks at the basket on his way to 15 points. Miners’ captain Kris Blicavs brought high energy, hussle and clever shooting off the bench and was his team’s second highest rebounder with eight grabs.

Dane Sisic, back from an ankle sprain, was composed and controlled in his limited minutes.

Bartlett’s cousin Dyson King-Hawea jet in from New Zealand as a late addition on Friday to bolster the roster. He played about eight minutes on debut, despite having not trained with the team. Hayes said King-Hawea, on first impression, had good size and strength.