A mercurial Roy Booker steered the Miners to a solid 97-80 win over Mt Gambier Pioneers in the men's conference.

Booker shot 40 points, including 27 in the first-half and nine three-pointers, in one of his strongest performances of the season.

A huge second term from the international recruit ensured the Miners led 50-31 at the main break.

The Pioneers reeled the deficit back to just 12 points several minutes in the third term and Miners coach David Flint was forced into an early time out to calm his side.

An obvious kick ball that went uncalled with four minutes left in the quarter sparked the home side back into action.

Returning son Nathan Sobey impressed in his first game back, racking up 13 points.

Ken Horton racked up an amazing 19 rebounds but had little impact on the scoreboard while Liam Gibcus and Anthony Fisher were industrious throughout the match.

EARLIER in the night, Rush fought valiantly in a 77-74 loss to the Frankston Lady Blues.

The home side started the match strongly, out-hustling their opponents to open a 20-18 quarter-time lead but let their advantage slip in the second and third quarters.

Stephanie Cumming and 200-game veteran Kristy Rinaldi combined for 37 points and 10 rebounds to keep their side in it but couldn't curtail the influence of Frankston game breaker Kelly Bowen.

Rush players had their chances throughout the game, but poor passing and decision making prevented the side gaining the upper hand in the dying stages.

The Miners and Rush back up again against Dandenong at Dandenong on Sunday.