The Tasmania Jewels say they are focused on tightening their defence before their first WNBL game in Launceston, against the Sydney Flames tomorrow at 3pm at the newly redeveloped Silverdome.
The Jewels lost 91-77 to the Southside Melbourne Flyers last week after beating Geelong Venom 103-90 in their first game at a sold-out MyState Bank Arena.
Player Mia Jacobs said defence had been the main focus at training this week.
“I think our offence will come,” she said. “So making sure that we’re locking in on our defence to start.”
The Jewels have conceded 90 and 91 points in their first two games.
Sydney are undefeated after four games.
“They’re 4-0, so we’re ready to try and bring them back to earth,” Jacobs said.
The Jewels are without import Madina Okot, whose Atlanta Dream play Game 7 of the WNBA Finals this weekend, while Keely Froling is recovering from a calf strain. Jacobs said the team had a “next-man-up mentality”.
Assistant coach Zoe Mesman said two pre-season practice games against Sydney had been a big benefit.
“They’re fast, they’re quick, they’re aggressive,” she said.
Mesman agreed results could be “hot and cold” for a new team, but said the focus was “maintaining standards”.
She said she hoped Launceston would embrace the team.
“Launceston is just such a unique space,” Mesman said.
“I think the community of basketball-driven fans is just second to none.”
The Jewels will play five of their 11 home games this season at the Silverdome and six at MyState Bank Arena.
