THE Bendigo Telstra Braves will be aiming to replicate the scoring potency of their two regular season games against Southern District when they meet the Spartans in this Saturday night’s SEABL east conference minor semi-final.

Of the four highest scores the Braves produced in the regular season, two were in their games against the Spartans.

The Braves have won both their encounters against the Spartans this season, scoring 115 in their 14-point win on May 2, and 118 in their 29-point victory on July 4.

”Most of the time I am generally more concerned about what the opposition is going to score against us, but knowing we have scored freely in both games against Southern District gives us a world of confidence,’’ Braves coach Wayne Larkins said yesterday.

“After the way we trained on Tuesday night, I know the boys are all confident about doing well in this game.

“But being confident and actually going out and producing it on the night are completely different.’’

The Braves and Spartans ended the regular season with identical 14-12 records.

However, the Braves finished third courtesy of their head-to-head record against the Spartans, and subsequently, earned the home court for the knockout final.

The Braves have won six of their past seven games at the Schweppes Centre, including last Saturday night’s 97-79 victory over Hobart, which assured Bendigo a finals berth.

The Spartans have a woeful road record, winning just four of their 13 games away from home this year.

”Our form at home is a good sign for us going into this week,’’ Larkins said.

“Having great support at home and knowing we are in familiar surroundings is certainly a great help.’’

Tickets for this Saturday night’s game, which starts at 8 pm, can be pre-booked at the Schweppes Centre.

Meanwhile, the Bendigo IGA Lady Braves, who are gunning for a hat-trick of titles, will be playing for a home grand final when they travel to Melbourne to play Nunawading this Saturday night in the women’s major semi-final.