Anything less than a win will be a disappointment for the Bendigo Bank Braves this weekend.
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The Braves have come through a tough schedule in the past two weeks in reasonable shape and now get the opportunity to stamp themselves as a genuine play-off team.
The Braves (6-7) play Kilsyth (5-6) on the road on Sunday and then host Melbourne Tigers (3-7) in Bendigo next Saturday.
On recent form, the Braves should win both games and consolidate their place in the south conference top four.
The Braves have played well as underdogs in recent weeks, but this weekend they take to the court as favourites.
The Cobras, who are in fifth place on the east conference ladder, have been hot and cold in 2017.
They are one of only two teams to defeat south conference leader Hobart, but they’ve also lost their past two games to tumble out of the top four.
The Cobras also have to contend with backing up after a Friday night road game in Mt Gambier.
The Braves hopes will again be built around star trio Dyami Starks, C.J Aiken and Adam Doyle.
Starks has hit top gear in recent weeks and is averaging 22 points, five rebounds and four assist per game.
Aiken (18 points and 13 rebounds per game) has been dominant on the glass, while Doyle (13 points, three rebounds and five assists per game) has led well in his point guard role.
If they have big games, and the support crew chip in at both ends of the floor, the Braves should win.
The Bendigo Champions IGA Lady Braves face one of their toughest tests of the season at Kilsyth.
The Lady Cobras (8-2) are in second place on the east conference ladder and have won their past four games.
The Lady Braves (8-3) are in second place on the south conference ladder, but have lost two of their past three matches.
With three home games in a row against inferior opposition after the Kilsyth contest, the Lady Braves have the opportunity to all but sew up a top-two berth over the next four weeks.
Kilsyth is building an imposing record at home (3-1) and will start favourite.
One of the most exciting signs for the Lady Braves has been the improvement of their young talent. The likes of Maddie Sexton, Jess Rennie and Bianca Dufelmeier will get another chance to impress against one of the best rosters in the SEABL.
The Lady Braves versus Lady Cobras game tips-off at noon on Sunday at the Kilsyth Sports Centre. The men’s game will follow at 2pm.