The Mustangs were playing for the first time since their heartbreaking one-point loss last week and were severely depleted against Canberra Gunners - a side on their home court and desperate to kick-start their season.

It was an ambush waiting to happen.

And with the scores locked at three-quarter time, you could forgive coach Luke Boyle for feeling nervous.

But Maitland did what play-off sides are expected to do, and stood up when the game was there to be taken.

"We won the last quarter by 10 to win it 75-65 which is a pretty good effort away from home," Boyle said.

"I guess as a coach you're always worried about how they'll bounce back after such a tough loss the previous week.

"We were pretty skinny with a lot of guys unavailable, so to be able to do that is really satisfying.

"Isaiah Ellis was massive for us ... I think he scored something like 15 points and had 19 boards.

"Our skipper Terrell Turner was strong too, and shooting guard Dan Milburn stepped up when we needed it.

"That's what you want ... your key players stepping up in that last quarter."

The Mustangs are away again next weekend against seventh placed North Bears who are a stronger side than their position on the ladder would suggest.

With nine wins from their 12 starts, the Mustangs sit behind Central Coast Crusaders in first place, and Sutherlands Sharks on the narrowest of percentages.