The rescheduled South East Australian Basketball League clash in Canberra changed venues to the AIS Training Hall, where the Ballarat GMHBA Miners came out firing with a 31-23 opening term to set the tone early.

The Miners then restricted the Gunners to just 11 points in the second quarter and scored an efficient 35 points in the third term. Canberra won the fourth quarter, with Marshall Nelson top scoring, but only made a small dint on the margin.

The Miners flew to Canberra for the original clash back in April, but the game was called off due to a stadium electrical issue. The league worked with both teams to produce the best outcome.

Miners assistant coach Rob Baker, who is filling in as head coach while Nathan Cooper-Brown is overseas, said recovery would be a big focus for the group in light of a second clash against Mount Gambier at the Minerdome on Saturday night.

“It’s not normal the trip we have at the moment, it was always going to end up with a busy weekend, we just have to do what we have to do… but we are focusing on the recovery side to make sure we are right,” Baker said. 

“As far as the basketball stuff goes, we are just making sure we have had a bit more of a defensive focus this week… just fixing a few things up and learn from (the losses) last week.”

Restricted to just the eight players for Canberra, the Miners will sport a full squad against Mount Gambier.

“Everyone is feeling good and to have no injuries this time of year is a real credit to the way the guys have held their recovery and looked after their bodies,” Baker said.

He said there had been a hunger among the players this week coming off two disappointing losses.

“That’s why there have been no complaints or worries with the fact that it’s a tough schedule, they are just super keen to come out and play,” Baker said. “There is always a big emphasis from us to start strong and make sure we can take the terms of the game and not let the opposition dictate any of it.”