It was as if by going down there and beating Melbourne United the first time, the Hawks had suddenly shocked everyone and we took that to heart.

So the 92-77 victory might have been a bit of a statement, but the 96-90 win on return on Saturday showed we're a very capable team and it was no fluke.

We've earned some respect.

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Now we're in a position where we can control our destiny.

We've been a possible finals contender for a while, but now we're still a chance to finish as the top team, or at least secure a semi-final series with two games at home.

It's a big couple of weeks ahead and we know there's big games to come against Sydney and Brisbane, but the only thing that matters right now is preparing for the trip to Brisbane.

The Bullets are dangerous, they are an athletic team, they get after it and they rebound well. But they also have dangerous shooters.

We contained them pretty well last week in the 87-70 at WIN Entertainment Centre between the two Melbourne games, but we're going to have to work hard to do it again up there in Brisbane.

They have nothing to lose and we just need to keep playing the basketball we've shown over the last few weeks and keep showing the NBL what we're made of.

There is so much depth in our group and Emmett Naar was great in coming in while Tyler Harvey has been out, we're all ready to play our role and we're training and pushing each other hard.

We're excited for what's ahead, so let's keep the momentum going, cheer us on against Brisbane and we'll see you back in Wollongong for our last home game of the regular season next week.

Remaining Illawarra Hawks games

Saturday v BRISBANE at Nissan Arena (5.30pm)

April 14 v SYDNEY at WIN Entertainment Centre (7.30pm)

April 22 v PERTH at RAC Arena (9.30pm)

April 24 v SYDNEY at Qudos Bank Arena (3pm)

NBL ladder: MELBOURNE UNITED 16-7, SYDNEY 15-7, ILLAWARRA 16-8, PERTH 14-9, Tasmania 13-11, South East Melbourne 12-11, Brisbane 9-15, Cairns 8-14, Adelaide 7-15, New Zealand 5-18.