Off the back of a tough period for his Launceston Tornadoes, coach Derrick Washington is keen to be playing in front of a home crowd once again on Friday night.
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Slipping to 15th position on the NBL1 ladder following three losses in the four games since the Easter bye, the Tornadoes' form has drifted and it's hoped the return to the Elphin base can inspire the group.
"It's just always great to play in front of the home crowd," the former Minnesota State Maverick said.
"I feel like our ladies play awesome, play together and they will always perform better at home.
"We just have to make sure we come out strong, the last game we didn't come out strong and didn't hit enough shots."
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Returning to Elphin Sports Centre for the first time since a two-point loss in round two, the Tornadoes face another challenge in the Albury-Wodonga Bandits, led by Jessie Edwards who averages 15.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
With the Bandits boasting one of the best defences in the league, Washington said basketball is a simple game as his team prepare for the seventh-placed side.
"The name of the game of basketball is to make stops and hit shots and if you do that, you can win any ball game.
"The Bandits are a tough team, we've just got to make sure we come out strong and play our team basketball and we will be right on Friday night."
Despite the recent losses, US import Brittany Hodges has been in fine form for the Tornadoes, averaging 17.5 points per game and sits fifth in the league for rebounds per game with 12 to her name with the local talent of the side also impressing coach Washington.
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