After a few "hiccups" earlier in the 2019 NBL1 season, the Bendigo Braves men have showed their true form at just the right time.
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After an eighth-placed finish in the regular season, they continue to go from strength to strength each week they take to the floor.
With the "right balance" of youth and experience on the squad, veteran player Chris Hogan said the team was on a mission to do whatever it took for the team to be successful.
"A lot of it comes down to mentality and also the coaching staff sticking to consistent methods," Hogan said.
"Obviously we had some hiccups earlier on and lost far too many games we should've won.
"But the beauty of what we've been able to do is continuously adapt and evolve to become the team we are now."
The Braves men are preparing for a preliminary final match on Saturday night against the Frankston Blues, after securing a 115-104 semi-final win over the Kilsyth Cobras last weekend.
"Frankston is an interesting team and had a disrupted beginning to the season in terms of player availability," Hogan said.
However, Hogan believed one of the biggest challenges in the way of Frankston was the energy from the home crowd.
"The whole Frankston community is behind them and what they're trying to achieve as a team," Hogan said.
"They have a formidable team environment and it can be a little bit intimidating for anyone who goes down there to play."
However, given the Braves' path to finals, it proves they are not at all afraid of a challenge.
Braves coach David Hogan said the team was prepared for a big match against Frankston.
"They're an incredible team with NBL level talent," David said.
"They are a different challenge compared to the past few weeks, but it's one we're ready for."
David will use the might of Braves player Ray Turner to counter the efforts of Frankston's Dan Trist and Majok Majok.
The first-year coach has been able to get the best out of his team at the business end of the season, proved by the squad's return to form into finals.
"We're definitely playing our best basketball at the right time of the year," David said.
"Hopefully we can put together another two strong weeks and finish right where we want to finish."
The winner of the match between Bendigo and Frankston will then play the winner of the game between Ballarat and Nunawading in the NBL1 grand final.
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