Sandringham Sabres 110 – 102 Bendigo Braves
National Basketball League1 South – Round 16, June 28, 2026

In a high-octane affair at the Sandringham Basketball Centre, the Sabres outlasted a gritty Bendigo Braves side to claim a crucial 110–102 victory. The home team’s offensive firepower proved the difference on Saturday afternoon, as Sandringham improved their standing in the tightly contested NBL1 South ladder.

Match Overview

The Sabres came out firing, establishing an early tempo that forced the Braves to play catch-up for much of the contest. Bendigo, however, refused to go quietly. Led by sharp shooting in the second quarter, the Braves closed the gap to single digits before halftime. Yet Sandringham’s depth and composed play down the stretch allowed them to hold on and secure a well‑earned eight-point win.

Both teams combined for 212 points, underscoring the high‑scoring nature of NBL1 South basketball. The Sabres’ ability to convert in transition and capitalise on second‑chance opportunities was a decisive factor, while the Braves will rue a handful of costly turnovers in the final period.

Key Moments

• First‑quarter blitz: Sandringham opened with a 32‑22 advantage, setting the tone with aggressive drives to the rim and crisp ball movement.
• Bendigo fights back: The Braves answered with a 30‑25 second quarter, trimming the deficit to just five points at the half (57‑52).
• Third‑quarter surge: The Sabres regained control with a 28‑22 third term, pushing the lead back to double digits entering the final frame.
• Clutch minutes: Bendigo cut the margin to six with under three minutes to play, but Sandringham’s defence forced two shot‑clock violations and the home side iced the game at the free‑throw line.

Standout Players

Sandringham Sabres: The home side’s balanced attack featured five players in double figures. Their leading scorer poured in 28 points on efficient shooting, while the backcourt duo combined for 14 assists, keeping the offence flowing smoothly. Forward dominance on the glass (12 offensive rebounds) gave the Sabres extra possessions that proved vital.

Bendigo Braves: The Braves were powered by a 30‑point outing from their import guard, who connected on six three‑pointers. Another starter added a double‑double (18 points, 11 rebounds), but the supporting cast struggled to find rhythm against Sandringham’s switching defence.

Impact on the Standings

With the win, Sandringham moves into a tie for fourth place in the NBL1 South, keeping playoff ambitions firmly alive. Bendigo, now on a two‑game losing streak, slips to eighth, just outside the postseason picture. Every result matters in a conference where only four points separate sixth from second, and the Sabres’ consistency at home continues to be a major asset.

The two sides will meet again in the final month of the regular season, a rematch that could carry significant playoff seeding implications.