John Coffino says that his Cheshire Phoenix are yet to reach their peak despite registering an impressive success at Glasgow Rocks on Sunday.
Coffino's side have been in good form of late and continued that trend, shaking off a disappointing second quarter to seal a deserved 77-68 success at the Emirates Arena against a Rocks side who until their defeat at Sheffield Sharks on Sunday had won six straight games in the BBL Championship.
Dustin Salisbery paced all scorers as he hit 22 while a rejuvenated Taylor King grabbed another double-double as he hit 17 points and grabbed 10 boards in the victory, which keeps alive the Nix's chances of securing a top-two spot in the final standings.
"I still don't think we've peaked yet," said the Phoenix coach, who saw his side make it back-to-back successes on the road.
"We knew it (Glasgow) was going to be a tough game. It's always a tough game up there and they have been playing well recently.
"I'm not pleased with the incomplete performance. We seem to be a second-half team at the moment but it was a long trip and it took a little while to get the kinks out.
"But we are road warriors at the moment and it's always tough to get wins on the road. We have had some very, very tough tests recently and it will prepare us for the variety of tests that we may face in the play-offs."
Demond Watt wasn't his usual prolific self at the offensive end but he put in a solid shift as he grabbed 12 rebounds to accompany his seven points as the load was spread between the roster.
The Nix started the contest in bullish mood and led 26-18 at the end of the first quarter but went cold in the second quarter, hitting just six points to Glasgow's 14 in the next 10 minutes.
The half-time team-talk had the desired effect as they came out firing once again and hit 28 in the third, ending the period leading 60-57.
They stayed strong in the final 10 minutes and shut down the Rocks offensive weapons, which included former Phoenix guard Reggie Middleton, as they limited the Scottish side to just 11 points to seal a deserved success.
Coffino added: "Demond didn't put up his usual numbers but he had a very solid game and drew a lot of attention from their defence and played his part.
"Dustin wasn't totally pleased with his game but he did exactly what was needed from him. He is one of those guys who you want to have the ball in his hands in key situations.
"He is one of our go-to guys, and we have a few of them, who you have the confidence in to deliver at key moments."
The Nix are once again on the road this weekend when they travel to high-flying Leicester Riders (7.30pm), with Coffino's men looking to claim their first win over Rob Paternostro's side this term having lost the previous two clashes early in the season.
Cheshire then head back to the Northgate Arena on Sunday, April 12, when they welcome Durham Wildcats (5.30pm).
"Leicester are a good team and it will be tough down there but we'll be ready," added Coffino. "It will be a bit of a homecoming for Paul (Sturgess) as he is from down there.
"We're looking forward to getting back in front of a home crowd, though, and want to finish the season well so that we can go into the play-offs in good shape."
