THREE weeks ago, the Launceston Tornadoes went down to this week’s opponent Ballarat Rush in a scrappy display of basketball.
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Torns coach Reece Potter is looking to overturn the 58-53 result and for a more polished performance on Saturday at Elphin Stadium.
“That game was pretty ugly with both teams shooting in the 30s percentage-wise,” Potter said.
“It was is a low-scoring game over there, but us now back at full strength and at home, we are certainly ready to try and get one back on them.
“Lauren Mansfield’s matchup with Abbey Wehrung will be one to watch, likewise on the wing, Ally Wilson’s tussle with WNBL guard Kerryn Harrington will prove vital in determining the outcome.
“Inside, our two twin towers in Mikaela Ruef and Tayla Roberts will certainly have their work cut out for them against six foot five inch (1.9 metres) Joy Burke and WNBL forward Ash Spencer.”
Jessy Price and Steph Shaw are the players on Launceston’s injury list.
The Rush sit fourth in the Eastern Conference and are coming off two straight losses, while Launceston are second on the Southern table and on a three-match winning streak.
Potter said the Tornadoes’ strong defensive game displayed in the past fortnight would need to continue this weekend if revenge and their 10th season win is to be achieved.
“We should continue to improve over the next few weeks,” he said.
“Last year we beat every team bar Geelong at least once and they were our bogey team and we want to avoid that this year, we don’t want to have a team we can’t get a win over.
“Even though Ballarat are in the other conference it is really important mentally to know we can compete and beat any team.”
The match is played for the Madeleine Howard Memorial Shield, named after a 17-year-old former Tornadoes rising star who died in a car crash 12 years ago.
Potter said the team was keen to regain the sentimental trophy.
Tip-off is at 6.30pm.