Bandits post first win of the NBL1 season against Waverley Falcons

The Bandits got off to a strong start at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre and were able to hold onto the momentum to finish off the game 94-82.

Border young gun Chaz Bishop made his debut in the senior side, with Bijan Johnson still sidelined with a knee injury.

After uncertainty during the week, Jack Saunders also took to the court despite knee complaints.

Coach Brad Chalmers praised youngsters Bishop and Toby Cossor for standing tall in the win.

"He (Bishop) was really good defensively and put his body on the line on a few occasions," Chalmers said.

"Those young development guys were really critical in the end to give us a few extra bodies."

However, Chalmers said youth league player Mitch Donovan was unable to take to the court after his registration was not cleared in time.

Sharif Watson posted one of his best games of the season so far, with 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

"He stepped up and that's what we needed from him," Chalmers said.

Mitch Dance had 28 points and 10 rebounds for the home side, while Border local Jacob Cincurak finished with 12 points.

After being defeated by the Falcons just weeks ago and seeing other games slip through their fingers, Chalmers admitted the win has acted as a turning point for the team.

"It's the first time we've got through four quarters, so that was pleasing," he said.

"We've been playing good stretches but haven't been able to do it for long periods of time.

"I think we finally got to that point, and the results came.

"They did a really good job at sticking at it."

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Defence proved to be an area the side has improved on from previous encounters.

"We were tested a little bit there and it tightened up and that was where previously we've come undone," Chalmers said.

"We haven't been able to rebound and push ahead to get that momentum in our favour, but we were able to do that this time."

The Bandits will now prepare to hit the road for their second double header of the season.

They'll first take on the Ringwood Hawks before meeting the Frankston Blues at the Frankston Basketball Centre.

Following the win the Bandits have moved to 15^th spot on the ladder, with NW Tasmania leading.

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