TONY GARBELOTTO believes Mersey Tigers cannot afford to take anything for granted as they head into the season’s crunch stages.

The Tigers put themselves in pole position to retain the BBL with a narrow 88-84 victory over title rivals Newcastle Eagles at the Echo Arena on Tuesday, extending their winning run to six games, but suffered a heartbreaking last-gasp 89-87 defeat away to Leicester Riders just 24 hours later, having led at one stage by 16 points.

Garbelotto’s men now face back-to-back home fixtures with Guildford Heat and Sheffield Sharks.

And though the Tigers have already beaten Guildford comfortably on two occasions this season, including victory in the BBL Trophy final earlier this month, coach Garbelotto is refusing to believe Friday’s clash will be anything other than a tough fixture, and says that home advantage could prove crucial.

“This is a team that has great resiliency,” said the 42-year-old. “After the Trophy Final they could have gone into their shell, but they have come out fighting. Almost every game in this league has meaning. I’m just happy that this one is at the Arena.”

Garbelotto believes Heat have talent within their ranks which belies the club’s lowly position in the BBL, and says solidity will be the key to victory for his side.

“I was very impressed with Ralph Hegamin in the Final,” he added, “But the heart and soul of the team is still Mike Martin and Julius Joseph, they have been great.

“I think it is about being solid and making sure that our defence takes away their primary scoring threats. You cannot allow this team to score easy baskets otherwise you could be in for a long night.”

The Tigers will be without Perry Lawson who is expected to miss the remainder of the season with an arm injury.