The "Star-FM" Pioneers have been defeated in there final home game of season 2007 by the Bendigo Braves by four points. The Pioneers surged to a 16 point half time lead with all players making valuable contributions in a high tempo display.

After the break however, the home team came out cold only managing 11 points for the period in comparison to the Braves 34. This was the telling factor in the game as the Pioneers again managed to outscore their opposition in the final period. 

For the Pioneers Ryan Blankson again lead the way with 27 points and 12 rebounds. Jon Shepherd totalled 23 points despite only managing 2 points in the last half and Dallas Jeffree put on another impressive performance with 23 points.

Chris Lewis played his first significant game back from injury and despite not making much damage on the score board he pulled in 12 rebounds.

The game did go down to the wire with the Pioneers putting on a  number of runs in the closing minutes but it was the Braves NBL tandem of Cameron Rigby and Mick Hill who got them over the line. Rigby had 34 and Hill 22 as the Braves best but they also received valuable support from their deep and talented line-up.

The "Star FM" Pioneers travel to Melbourne in Round 21 to take on the Knox Raiders on Saturday and the Frankston Blues on Sunday. Despite the loss to the Braves, the Pioneers are still mathematically a chance to snare a playoff berth as the hold a 0-2 Head to Head record on Kilsyth. This however will take a 2-0 weekend result and a loss to Kilsyth who travel to Albury - LETS GO PIONEERS!