With four WNBL regular season games remaining – and just two wins separating second-placed Bulleen with seventh-placed Sydney – the race for the play-offs will go down to the wire.

After last weekend’s disappointing loss to second-bottom team West Coast, which followed a loss to table-toppers Adelaide, the Spirit dropped from third to fifth on the ladder and coach Bernie Harrower believes the club must win three of its final four matches to finish in the top five.

But that will be no easy task as the team hosts Adelaide and fellow play-off aspirants Sydney and Logan after tonight’s away game.

The Spirit beat Bulleen 91-83 at the Veneto Club in round two when Tess Madgen and Gabe Richards both hit 25 points and Kristi Harrower scored 19 points and dished out seven assists.

But in the return fixture at Bendigo Stadium, Rachel Jarry scored 23 points in a dominant first-half to set up Bulleen’s 76-68 win.

Harrower said the Spirit will need to keep the Boomers to less than 70 points if the team is to get back on the winner’s list tonight.

“Last time we played Bulleen it was a game that we blew because of our poor execution and poor defence,” Bernie Harrower said.

“The damage was done in the first half. They’re such an offensive team, they’re the highest-scoring team in the competition.

“We need to make sure we come out ready to go.”

Harrower said the Spirit’s aim was to finish in the top three, and it is still possible if the club can find a way to win its last four matches.

“When I talk about the ramifications of the loss to West Coast, we play Bulleen, Adelaide, Sydney and Logan – it’s not an easy way into play-offs,” Harrower said.

“Hopefully the loss in Perth stings us into action.”

Kristi Harrower and Deanna Smith have struggled with Achilles injuries this week, while centre Gabe Richards’ troublesome knee continues to hamper her preparations.

Despite being less than 100 per cent fit, Bernie Harrower said the key trio were certain starters for tonight’s match.