BENDIGO Braves coach Ben Harvey insists his team will not become complacent in the aftermath of five straight wins.
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The SEABL-leading Braves' streak includes impressive wins against the top two teams from the south conference - Hobart (12-4) and Mount Gambier (10-6) - and its two nearest rivals in the east conference - Brisbane (10-6) and Ballarat (8-6).
More big tests await the Braves (13-3) this week, with a Friday night game in Geelong against the south conference's third-placed Supercats, before a Saturday night encounter at Bendigo Stadium against the Nunawading Spectres.
Harvey said the Braves had shown no signs of letting up in their pursuit of a first national championship since 2005.
"There's no way we'll become complacent at all," he said.
"Training has been very tough and physical this week and guys are still itching to get on the court and prove themselves.
"But right now we are in really good shape and looking forward to the weekend's games.
"Both Geelong and Nunawading have lost four of their last five games, but are very well respected teams and have both won a championship over the last four-to-five years.
"Geelong is a hostile place to play - they will be very hungry to get a win and to beat the best team in the competition right now."
Harvey had plenty to enthuse about after Saturday night's 85-78 win over the Hobart Chargers.
Five players scored in double figures, led by imports Damian Johnson (23) and Jeremy Kendle (17).
The star pair combined for 18 rebounds, while point guard Kevin White chipped in with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Skipper Chris Hogan continued his fine season with 10 points and five rebounds, while Taylor Bell added 11 points.
Harvey said the approach from here on would be simple.
“We just need to keep sticking to our strengths and keep working hard each week,” he said.
“We had a little bit of a snitch during the season where we did lose two games – mind you those margins were both four points.
“It was pretty simple why we lost, we can’t give up 91 points and that’s what we did.
“We pride ourselves on defence and getting stops and that’s kind of what won the game again on Saturday night.”
