We need to bring it: Batkovic

JCU Townsville Fire Suzy Batkovic has laid down the challenge to her teammates ahead of tomorrow’s must-win WNBL clash against Bendigo. With a top-four position on the line, the Fire can ill-afford another loss against a finals contender after the UC Capitals snapped their five-game winning streak last week. The 39-point turnaround from the Fire’s victory over the Capitals just eight days earlier was one of the most disappointing aspects of the loss, with the four-time WNBL MVP urging her teammates to find a way to fight through adversity. https://twitter.com/TownsvilleFire/status/821317967946231808 “You need to bring it every week,” Batkovic said. “When things aren’t going your way, you need to find a way to contribute. “Don’t step outside of your role, just do the things that are expected of you. Nothing less, nothing more.” The Spirit are also desperate to return to the winners’ list after successive losses to Perth and Sydney and will be motivated by Gabe Richards’ 250^th WNBL game. The former Opals centre has been a cornerstone of the Spirit’s franchise, guiding them to back-to-back championships over the Fire. “Gabe’s a tough competitor,” Batkovic said. “We need to do a good job of keeping them off the glass – they’ve got a strong front court with Gabe, Nayo (Raincock-Ekunwe) and Kelsey (Griffin) – and they’re always a tough team to play against.” The Fire host the Spirit from 7pm at Townsville Stadium. Click here to pre-purchase tickets to the Fire’s Hoops for Troops fixture against Bendigo.