Both teams have had disappointing losing streaks this season, but have been successful in recent weeks and both will be keen to keep the winning feeling. Canberra and Mt Gambier played an epic 123-119 Triple Overtime match last year at the Icehouse, but Gunners coach will be hoping for an easier game this Friday to kick start their arduous three game road trip. Canberra’s Nick Johnson plays his 200th SEABL game and will be keen to celebrate with a victory.

“Oasis” Hobart Chargers vs Australian Institute of Sport
On paper Hobart Chargers will be the overwhelming favourites for this game, as the Australian Institute of Sport have never defeated Hobart at home. Hobart holds a 6-0 advantage over the AIS dating back to 1990. Chargers guard Adam Gibson (18.5ppg, 4.7apg) did not travel last week to the mainland due to sickness, but will be keen for a return to the line-up this week against his former team. With Banovic, Stewart, Gibson and Inches controlling the Chargers back court; experience may be too much for the AIS youngsters to handle.

“Patrick” NW Tasmania Thunder vs Australian Institute of Sport
After a great season start, NW Tasmania Thunder has struggled in recent weeks dropping their past four games. Sam Armstrong’s offensive firepower has been down in recent weeks and his team has been suffering. He needs to consistently produce 20+ pts every game for the Thunder to be successful. Unfortunately for Sam, he only averages 12.4ppg against the AIS, and Thunder coach Mark Radford will be hoping he can overcome this week and get his team back on a winning streak.

“St Laurence” Geelong Supercats vs Canberra “Club Lime” Gunners
Canberra has never defeated Geelong at the Arena, winless since their first clash in 1999. This will be a positive sign for Geelong coach Mark Leader as a victory this week against Canberra will have the Supercats five games clear of their nearest rival in the East Men, virtually guaranteeing themselves of home court advantage in the finals.

Frankston “Cambur” Blues vs Albury/Wodonga “Bendigo Bank” Bandits
A fierce rivalry between these two teams commenced after the Bandits defeated Frankston to clinch the 2001 East Men Championship, and each clash since has been a heated battle. This weekend’s game is sure to be the same as both have a 7-7 season record. Bandits Nick Payne (21.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.7apg) is having a stellar season, recording consistent numbers but still a threat at the defensive end. His battle in the back court with Blues import and conf. leading scorer Andy Gilbert (25.5ppg, 8.4rpg) will be a great tussle.

Bendigo “Hume & Iser” Braves vs Knox Ford Raiders
League veteran Ben Harvey returned to the court last weekend after six weeks on the sidelines and will play his 300th SEABL game this week. Bendigo recorded a 118-117 buzzer beating victory in round three this season and the Raiders will be keen for revenge. Both teams played the inform Supercats last week, and both teams were defeated by four points. Knox are comfortably in third place, but Bendigo dropped to second place on the ladder, having held the number one position since the season start.

Mildura “QantasLink” Mavericks vs Club Kilsyth Cobras
Mildura Coach James Madigan will be keen to record a victory this week and put an end to the clubs current worst losing streak of eleven games. Mavericks Rhys Carter (22.5ppg, 7.5rpg, 2.9apg) and import Chaz Briggs (21.1ppg, 13.3rpg, 2.4bpg) have been the sole survivors all season, but will need help against the talented Kilsyth line-up. Cobras Matt Shanahan (21.0ppg, 7.3rpg, 4.4apg) is averaging 23.3ppg in his past three games and is one offensive option the Mavericks will need to contain if they are to record the win.

Ballarat “Telstra CountryWide/Telstra Shop” Miners vs Nunawading Spectres
Miners import Villi Morton re-injured his knee in round nine and is out indefinitely. The news is disappointing to the Miners season campaign despite moving into first position on the South Men ladder after last weekends overtime victory against Hobart. Ricky Daniels (15.4ppg, 12.2rpg, 3.7apg) has averaged 23pts, 18rebs and 7ass in his past three games since moving into the starting line-up. Daniels destroyed the Spectres in the Miners 105-96 victory at Nunawading in round ten with 27pts and 25rebs. A bigger defensive performance by Nunawading local Paul Flynn will be required as the Miners are on a 10 game winning streak and looking dangerous.

Nunawading Spectres vs Canberra “Club Lime” Gunners
If Gunners Grant Keys (18.8ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.2apg) can score 73 points this weekend he will reach 6000 career SEABL points and move into eighth position on the All time list. It will be a tough game for Canberra, playing their third game in 40hrs, but Nunawading will also be returning home after a tough match with Ballarat the previous night. Nunawading recorded a surprising 85-80 victory in Canberra in round five, and Gunners will be keen to reverse this result as depending on previous results for the weekend it could see them drop dramatically down the tight east men ladder.