The Canberra Gunners went close but once again couldn't get their hands on the cigar after going down by three points to the Dandenong Rangers.

The Gunners battled back to win the fourth quarter but just ran out of time in the 80-77 loss at Dandenong Stadium on Saturday night.

The loss leaves the Gunners with an 0-4 record after they fell to the Mount Gambier Pioneers 106-88 on Friday night.

Once again it was Ben Allen and Daniel Joyce leading the way for the Gunners, who will be itching to see new recruit and American star Roy Booker on the court.

Booker has been one of the SEABL's most dominant scorers for the past three seasons at Ballarat and will be a huge boost to the Gunners.

Meanwhile, Keely Froling put up impressive numbers (26 points and 11 rebounds) in big minutes for the Canberra Capitals Academy but it wasn't enough against the Sydney University Sparks.

The Capitals Academy fell 75-61 in their third loss of the season.