Rush notched its first victory of the season by defeating the south conference’s fourth-placed Chargers by 18 points in Tasmania in its previous match before the mid season bye. 

The clash not only kicks off a double-header between Ballarat and Hobart, but also the first time Ballarat Basketball attempts live streaming.

Ballarat Basketball’s Melissa Thomas said the association would be live streaming two rounds at home this season as part of the trial.

If successful, the aim is to broadcast every SEABL home game live online from 2018, along with exhibition matches and grand finals from tournaments such as a national championships. 

“We will get through this one and do a review, see what worked, what didn’t and if we can improve anything, and then we will aim for another one (trial run) probably in July,” Thomas said.

Commentary will be a feature of the streaming service, while scores will be shown at the bottom of the footage.

Thomas said while a crew would travel to Ballarat to help run the service, in the future, the club hoped to be self-sufficient.

Making the games accessible online is also designed to help promote Ballarat Basketball in the Asian market. 

Rush player Joy Burke is part of the Taipei National Women’s team and is part of a push to develop a coach and player exchange program between the two clubs. 

Through the relationship between SEABL, Basketball Australia and Basketball Asia, any player born in an Asian country will be able to come to Australia as an unrestricted player in 2018. 

“The idea is that we are an appealing place for their players or coaches to come and get better in their off season, which runs opposite to ours,” Thomas said.

Hobart and Ballarat fans are encouraged to follow the live stream on Ballarat Basketball’s Facebook page from 6pm on Saturday.