It has been 22 days since Ballarat Rush played its South East Australian Basketball League season opener against Geelong.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The lengthy delay between matches is due to its home court being unavailable over the first three weeks of the season resulting in an extra bye, but Rush will play a catch-up match later in the season.
It is not an ideal preparation as it prepares to take on Melbourne Tigers at home this weekend who have already played four matches – however, like Rush, it is yet to register victory.
Coach David Flint believes the long lay-off will do his side no favours, but he is still expecting an improved performance from its 26-point loss to Geelong.
The Tigers may be without a win from its four matches, but Flint would not be taking them lightly.
“After a very disrupted and slow start to the season, as we have only played the one game, it finally feels like the SEABL season is about to commence,” Flint told Basketball Ballarat.
“The fact that the Tigers have already played four games to our one is no doubt an advantage for them and we need a better effort tonight than what we produced in Geelong if we are going to come away with the win.
“Although Melbourne is winless from their first four games they are rapidly improving and are coming off two close road losses in Tassie to Hobart and Launceston – both quality teams.”
Flint said he was looking for improved performances from some of his senior players. The likes of Joy Burke (19 points, 10 rebounds last week) and Jaterra Bonds (23 points, eight rebounds) were among the side’s best, but Flynn believed there was plenty of upside.
While he also was looking forward to seeing the output of co-captain Kristy Rinaldi along with Bendigo Spirit players recruits Ashleigh Spencer and Molly Matthews – Flint is expecting strong seasons from the trio.