If the Braves have proved anything to the Australian basketball world, it's that they embrace a challenge.
After finishing in eighth position to scrape into finals with an 11-9 record, they have now sailed into the NBL1 Championship match.
The squad is preparing for their toughest challenge to date, head-to-head in the grand final against the Nunawading Spectres.
"We're expecting a big challenge from the Spectres, but it's one that we're all ready for," Braves coach David Hogan said.
The Spectres will be hungry for glory after falling short in the 2018 SEABL grand final to the Hobart Huskies.
However, the Braves are determined their name will be on the inaugural NBL1 Championship trophy.
"If we are fortunate enough to come out with the win and to be the first ones with our name on the trophy, it will definitely be something special," Hogan said.
Just as the Braves are up for a challenge from the Spectres, the feeling is mutual.
Spectres coach Dave Biwer said the Braves presented a unique challenge.
"They're a really well-balanced team," Biwer told the NBL1.
"Deonte Burton, Muo and Ray Turner are putting a lot of pressure on the defence.
"If there's any kind of adjustment or floor rotation, you have Dan Hansen and Chris Hogan making plays from the perimeter.
"They bring a tough guard to the game. We have to be great at individual defence and try and do our best at limiting people."
There was concern for Turner after suffering what seemed to be a knee injury during the Braves' preliminary final win over the Frankston Blues.
However, Turner returned to the court later in the game and continued to play.
"It was that scary look when someone gets their knees taken out, it's not a good look at all," Hogan told the NBL1. "I don't think there was any malice in it but definitely heart in your mouth type stuff."
Hogan confirmed he would be a starter for the championship match.
"Luckily Ray is one of the toughest guys you'll see. He has battled through injuries all this year but every time he seems to be injured, he comes back stronger," Hogan said.
The NBL1 Championship match will be played at the State Basketball Centre in Wantirna South on Saturday night, tip-off at 8pm.
The Bendigo Braves women were knocked out of the finals after a heartbreaking three-point loss to the Geelong Supercats in the preliminary final, scores 83-80.
The women's grand final between the Supercats and the Kilsyth Cobras will also be played at the State Basketball Centre, tip-off at 5pm.
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