The Miners were challenged all night, but held their nerve late in the match to score an important 81-73 win.

Leading by just three at the break, the Miners stepped it up a gear in the third quarter, taking a 10-point lead at the last break.

But buoyed by a fanatical home crowd, the Bandits came roaring back to life in the final term, reducing the margin to just five before the Miners steadied late, albeit, despite missing some crucial free throws that would have put the result beyond doubt.

Head coach Brendan Joyce said the defensive effort throughout the contest was the highlight.

"As a team we didn't shoot well from outside, but we worked hard from the defensive end, grinded it out and found ways to score.

"Overall, it was a good collective effort especially on the defensive end. Obviously it's early days and we've got to go with what we've got, but there were a lot of good signs."

Joyce said he was concerned about not having seen the opponent before the match.

"They are a pretty good side and they'll beat a lot of sides at home," Joyce said.

"They've got an import over from New Zealand and obviously they've had plenty of training as well."

Daniel Joyce, who made his return from an achilles injury made two crucial steals in the dying moment to allow the Miners to go coast-to-coast.

He said he felt like he was playing the first game of his career again.

"It felt quite weird to be honest, I've played about 250 games in my career and it felt like my first game of basketball," he said. "It's an important win so early in the season."

Deng Acouth once again proved unstoppable at both ends of the court while William Hickey and Matt Kenyon were important throughout the contest.

Like the Ballarat Rush, the Miners have a road trip to Tasmania next weekend where they will clash with North West Tasmania.