The GMHBA Miners made it four wins on the trot by resoundingly dismissing Frankston 99-76 at the Minerdome.

It was the best possible way to welcome recruit James Hunter and farewell short-term signing Craig Moller, who leaves after helping cover for injured centre Chris Smith and the late arrival on Hunter.

Head coach Eric Hayes has the Miners ticking along magnificently.

They are on sixs wins and four defeats – a comfortable three losses inside the top four – and with games in hand have an opportunity to build on this record now that for the first time they have their full roster in place.

Hunter, who is originally from New South Wales, was signed pre-season, but unable to  join Ballarat until he completed playing commitments in Spain.

The 208cm centre  played college basketball in the United States for Washington State and University of South Dakota up to last year, and also had time with Manawatu Jets in the New Zealand National Basketball League.

Hunter was eased in against the Blues, given just nine minutes.

Again it was the big three of Roy Booker, Ollie Bailey and Earnest Ross who paved the way for the Miners.

Earnest had a rare triple double in stand-out performance.

He sunk 19 points, had 14 rebounds and 11 assists to again put himself to the forefront for SEABL player of the week honours.

Booker shot 25 points, while the dour Bailey finished with 21 points.

In a strong performance across the board, Moller had 11 rebounds,  Dyson King-Hawea 11 points and four rebounds, and the improving Casey Marshall nine points, three rebounds and two assists - just the type of spread Hayes has been looking for from his bench.

The Miners led for most of the game, getting away by as many as 32 points in the second and third quarters.

The Miners play Hobart at home and Dandenong on the road next weekend.

BALLARAT Rush was not so fortunate, losing to Launceston Tornadoes 81-74 in Tasmania on Saturday night.

Rush threw everything at the Tornadoes and after trailing for most of the night almost grabbed an unlikely win.

Ballarat came from 11 points down early in the last quarter to level the scores with one minute, 42 seconds remaining on the clock.

However, despite a late three-pointer from Ashley Spencer, Rush was unable to get its hands on the ball to keep the momentum going.

There was little between the teams, with Rush being hurt most by the Tornadoes' ability to score off turnovers.

After three losses in a row, Ballarat’s season has suddenly become much tougher – not helped by a doubleheader coming up at the weekend.

This features a clash with east conference table leader Dandenong.

Spencer led the Rush scoring against Launceston, with 23 to complement five rebounds.

Kerryn Harrington shot 15 with seven assists and three rebounds.

Abbey Wehrung provided 10 points.

Joy Burke was strong on the boards with 12 rebounds, but quieter than usual offensively with seven points.