Albury-Wodonga Bandits' men's side defeated by Melbourne Tigers

The border team was hot on the heels of the Tigers, conceding the game by just five-points at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre.

It's the second close encounter the Bandits have had in as many weeks, losing their first round match to Ballarat by eight-points.

"It's been a bit of a slow burn and it's frustrating to have not at least won one of them," coach Chalmers said.

"There were moments where we were in control of both games and gave them away.

"Our defence just isn't cutting the mustard at the minute and we all know that we have some work to do."

The Tigers posted 17 threes during the clash, while star Kiwi recruit Mitch Dance landed 28 points and nine rebounds for the home side.

Bijan Johnson and Sharif Watson both made improvements to their game after a slow start in round one.

Watson finished the night with 16-points and nine rebounds in front of the home crowd.

"I think he provided something for us that wasn't there on the first night," Chalmers said.

Nunawading export Jack Saunders also found more confidence in his second game for the side, with 15-points and six rebounds.

"He was a lot better on the offensive end," Chalmers said.

Border product Jacob Cincurak also made a strong start before foul trouble saw him out of the game.

Chalmers admitted while his side is showing signs that they can be competitive this season, he said they now have to work on consolidating their opportunities.

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"We're competitive and we're there, we just have to start to really build something," he said.

"I think we're building some chemistry with the group in terms of off the court, and on the court the process is always going to be a bit slower.

"We didn't quite get a few of our structural things right and our ability to execute the game plan was a bit off.

"As the year goes along we'll get better and better.

"Sometimes it's easier said than done, and we're in the space now where we just have to start doing it."

The Bandits will now prepare for their first double header weekend on the road when they travel to meet Knox Raiders at Melbourne's State Basketball Centre, followed by Waverly Falcons at the Waverly Basketball Centre for round three.

The Raiders are coming off the back of their first win of the season against Kilsyth Cobras, after suffering a loss to Geelong.

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