PREVIEW: UC Capitals and Perth Lynx both chasing first win
It may be a semi-final rematch against Perth Lynx but Brittany Smart isn’t thinking of it that way.
“That was definitely frustrating to have the finals taken from us but right now we have such a new team so we’re leaving that in the past and just thinking about how we can progress forward as a team this season.”
The UC Capitals flew to Perth on Friday night, ahead of their game on Saturday December 12.
After two opening round losses, Smart said they’re not reinventing the wheel for this weekend, instead sticking to what they know but in a bigger and better way.
“We’re feeling good. Obviously the first two games were rough and tough but when you play a high level sport you have to love the chance to problem solve and find solutions and that’s our goal. We can’t solve them all at one time and in one week, but we are taking on this challenge and get better every game we play.
“We still love our pressure, we still love our running game, now we’re just making sure we’re running at two tempos just so we know where our shots are coming from and be able to be a flexible team and be able to play slow and fast, aggressive and go for risks but also staying solid to our defensive principles as well.”
Smart is being brought into the starting five, alongside up and coming star Shaneice Swain. Development Player Abby Solway has also been selected to travel with the team to Perth.
“We’ve always been deep, and now we’re going to have to use that depth but we trust it,” she said.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to capitalise and get every player some confidence and feel like a part of the system.”
Both sides looking for their first win of the season.
“Every game is a real opportunity for a win but we know what steps we need to take to get there and be competitive and play our brand of basketball. But as long as we take that step forward and make those necessary changes then that’s going to be positive for us.”
The game will be streamed live on 9Now, tip off is 9:30pm AEDT.