By Tara Murray
Kyneton Tigers’ men’s side returned to the winners’ list against Bendigo Braves in the Country Basketball League north-west men’s competition.
After a couple of close losses the week before, the Tigers this time were able to come away with the points.
It was a relieved Tigers coach Mick Ryan following the 75-70 win.
“It’s fantastic for us,” he said.
“It was a really good effort and it’s good to finally get some reward for effort.
“There was so many positive signs with the way we played. There was a lot of unselfishness.”
After an even first quarter in which both teams led at times, the Tigers found an extra gear.
They got the margin out to 15 points at one stage in the second quarter and it stood at 13 points at the main break.
The Braves fought back in the third quarter, reducing the margin to three points.
But the Tigers, determined not to make the same mistakes as the previous week.
Ryan said there was a few nerves late.
“We knew that Bendigo would come at us. The third quarter was really bad and I was anxious at that stage. We had to make sure we held our nerve.
“Last minute or two they got the margin back to two points and the game could have gone either way. We were so relieved to get the win.”
Louis Bongiovanni was the standout for the Tigers on the scoreboard, scoring 26 points, including four three-pointers.
Ryan said while they would need everything to go right, the result keep their finals hopes alive.
The Tigers next game isn’t until January.
Ryan said it was good to enter the break on a winning note.
“It’s a good way to finish the first half of the season,” he said.
“We’re still learning and coming together, it’s a shame the season is so short. Hopefully this same group can stay together and I’m excited for the future.
