Heat big Scott Hare bravely tried to play on after being bedridden with gastro but succumbed to illness early in the match, while 15-year-old Josh Cochrane travelled with the team for the first time.

In a mirror image of their last-start loss to Sutherland, Wagga couldn't go with their bigger and higher ranked opponents to fall behind 59-39 at halftime.

Matt Brunell spearheaded the Heat with 29 points, but they couldn't find a way to stop Lazers import Michael Johnson (37 points).

"They were a lot bigger than us, but it was good experience for the young kids once again," Heat coach Matt Bishop said.

"As of Thursday I think we were travelling with seven, but Jacob Edwards got off work and Scott pulled himself off his sick bed.

"I think it was pretty gutsy to give it a go. To be successful you need commitment across the board.

"They battled hard in the second half and gave everything they could."

Bishop said Cochrane, who represented Australia Country at last year's World Youth Tournament in Hawaii, will only benefit from playing against men.

"He's pretty dedicated to his craft. He's one of those country basketballers that has to put in the miles," Bishop said.

"It's a big ask and pretty intimidating for him, but he got some minutes and acquitted himself well when he was out there.

"When you're going up against bigger, stronger men the younger fellas struggle, but I thought they made some big leaps in the second half."

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