Brisbane struggled early in the year, losing six of their first nine games. But in a tough NBL schedule, they have managed to improve that record to 7-8.

A tough NBL travel schedule has given Brisbane a chance to find momentum they can carry into the new year, coach Andrej Lemanis says.

The Bullets ended a period of playing six games in 16 days with a win over the Perth Wildcats, in Perth.

It was their third consecutive victory, with Sydney to play, at home, next Saturday.

Lemanis says his team has used the travel schedule to unite and grow as a team.

“It’s been a challenge for us to find our rhythm but we’ve had a few longer-term injuries, which has sort of meant this group has stayed together for a period of seven or eight games and has been able to build a rhythm,” Lemanis said.

“In the 16 days of December, we have played six games. We have been away at Adelaide, we’ve been at home, we’ve been at New Zealand, we’ve been at Sydney, we’ve been at Cairns and now at Perth.

“So we have travelled the width and length of the competition but continue grow and get stronger. We’ve said all along it’s a great opportunity for us to build some momentum.”

Brisbane won four of those six games. As well as knocking off the Wildcats, at their own home, they beat New Zealand, Sydney and Cairns.

They have improved a 3-6 record to be 7-8 and are challenging for a spot in the top four.

One of the keys to their new-found success is a tighter defence.

Teams playing the Bullets averaged more than 92-points a game in the opening nine games of the season, before the start of December.

They have conceded only 80.5 points a game in those past six games and in their past three wins, neither Sydney, Cairns, nor Perth reached 80.

Lemanis applauded the group for learning to come together during games and take on challenges as they arise.