ON paper it might look hard to see any positives after losing a match 107-66 but there was plenty to take from the Dubbo Rams' loss to the Wagga Heat in Waratah State League basketball last weekend.

The Heat are pushing for a top-two spot and a place in the post-season while Dubbo, already out of finals contention, are now building for 2015 and working on improving certain aspects of their game.

A poor shooting percentage hurt Dubbo's chances, as it has for much of the season, and the lack of a player who dominates around the net was again evident.

The home side led at every break, with a 35-point second quarter setting up the victory.

The Heat again relied on star American import Gage Daye and Dubbo's defensive efforts in restricting him to 34 points was impressive, given the way he has dominated the competition in 2014.

Some claim Daye is the best import ever to grace the Waratah State league while there are reports he will have a trial with NBL side Wollongong Hawks at the end of the season.

While Dubbo couldn't take advantage of a number of good scoring opportunities there were promising showings again from Mudgee pair Chris Spinner and Jordan Woolmer.

The performances of Woolmer have been a real highlight for the Rams in 2014 with the youngster suffering a hearing disability which makes the game harder but he gives everything he's got each week.

A highlight of the match was a three-point shot he nailed in the first half and the smile couldn't be wiped from his face.

Woolmer finished with 10 points, as did Mark Willis, while Matthew Buckley scored 11 and Spinner led the way with 13.

Daye was Wagga's standout while Dom Tye (23) and Scott Hare (17) also played key roles.

The match was a difficult one for Dubbo, made more so by the fact coach Hay Forrester was absent, but Tye Forrester stepped up in his place and led from the front on the court.

His class was evident as he marshalled the defence and showed outstanding court coverage and the Rams will be very hopeful they can hang on to him for the 2015 season.

o WAGGA HEAT 107 (Gage Day 34, Dom Tye 23) def DUBBO RAMS 66 (Chris Spinner 13, Mark Willis 11)