Albury-Wodonga Bandits defeated by Bendigo south of the border

With NSW plunged into a state-wide lockdown at 5pm on Saturday, the border team was assembled at the Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre before the restrictions came into effect to take on Bendigo.

The men's team looked to have a win in sight when they headed into the last quarter in front, but a better final term by the Braves saw them five-goals down at the final buzzer.

John Crnogorac scored 25-points for the home side, while Mitchell Dance landed 16.

"The guys were up and about to try and win, but we just didn't quite close the deal," coach Brad Chalmers said.

"I think it was a bit scrappy for both teams and fatigue set in in the end.

"It's been a difficult couple of weeks."

The match also signified the cub's annual Allen McCowan Memorial Game.

In what is usually played in front of a packed crowd at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre, Chalmers admitted it had a very different feel this season.

"It was strange," Chalmers said.

"For me who has been there from day dot and has done every game, it was hard.

"We honoured his memory, but it just didn't have the same feel to it, which was sad."

It also marked Wani Swaka Lo Buluk's last game in the Bandits' colours, with the recruit bound for Sydney.

He finished off his season with 10 points and 10 rebounds in the clash.

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The Bandits are now in further limbo as to what the rest of the season may look like for them, with both regional NSW's and Melbourne's lockdowns acting as obstacles for the NBL1 South competition.

"It will be interesting to see how the next couple of weeks go and what gets discussed and decided on," Chalmers said.

"In a way, it was a bit of a wrap up for all of us, but we spoke about the fact that in two weeks time, or three weeks time, we could be asked to play.

"It is what it is and you just have to work with it.

"The players have done a great job from both teams to stick with it."

Bandits' president Luke Smith said it's now a waiting game for the club.

"We're just waiting to see what the restrictions are and what NSW can and can't do," he said.

"Even if Melbourne did ease their restrictions, people from Albury aren't going to be able to play."

The Bandits sit 14^th on the ladder.

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