PORT Macquarie have finally emerged from a treacherous five-week period that must have felt like five years.
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The Dolphins have been out of their depth in losses to St George (91-70), Newcastle (95-59), Hills (113-69), Tamworth (85-44) and a return bout with Newcastle (124-73) last weekend.
All four teams currently occupy the top four rungs on the competition ladder.
Coach Mark Champion has taken positives out of their last five matches against the competition heavyweights.
"It's been a tough stretch, but our best basketball can compete with anyone - we just have to do it for 40 minutes," he said.
"We led Tamworth at quarter-time and then scored 12 points in two quarters because their defence was just amazing.
"Those habits you get into you can get away with, but some of the things we've done against other teams don't work against the good teams."
On Saturday the Dolphins face a team more suited to themselves when Hawkesbury head up the Pacific Highway.
"They will still be a tough, but are more at our level," Champion said.
"We felt we should have beaten them last time when we missed five free throws in the last two minutes.
"There have been some really positive things happen in the last few weeks and part of that is learning what not to do."
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