THE Ballarat Miners were again forced to fight off a late comeback in their 96-88 victory over the in form Nunawading Spectres on Saturday night.
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The Miners were dominant early in the piece, shooting out to an eight point lead at the first break before piling on 22 points to eight in an inspired second quarter to lead by 22 at the main change.
However the visitors refused to go away, as Matt O’Hea and Simon Conn led the Spectres’ 31 point term to cut the margin to just five points heading into the final break.
In the final quarter the Spectres were able to get within two points of the home side, however the resilient Miners managed to stave off Nunawading, with Earnest Ross leading the charge.
Ross finished the game with 28 points and eight assists, while centre Craig Moller was again influential with a match high 12 rebounds.
The narrow escape is the second time in as many weeks the Miners won in the dying minutes after leading by over 20 points.
Miners coach Eric Hayes said he was pleased with his side’s efforts against a quality outfit, despite the third quarter drop off.
“I thought we played better last week and this week was better again,” Hayes said. “One of the things we’ve been talking about is getting more guys involved and we certainly did a better job with that.”
Casey Marshall and Ash Constable were crucial for the Miners in defence, keeping Nunawading dangerman Shane McDonald to just two points for the match.
Hayes also spoke highly of youngster Sam Short’s efforts in defence, placing plenty of pressure on O’Hea in the last quarter when the game was in the balance. “All those little things made a real difference,” Hayes said.
The Miners will hope to make it four games in a row on Sunday when they face the out of form Frankston Blues at the Minerdome.