A CRUCIAL double for Bendigo Bank Spirit tips off in Friday night's home-court basketball clash with Logan Thunder.
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Spirit will be determined to bounce back following last Saturday's loss to Townsville Fire.
The defeat was Bendigo's first at home this season and broke a 16-game winning streak.
Spirit coach Bernie Harrower said on Thursday a key to beating Logan would be lifting defensive intensity and being more confident in attack.
"Against Townsville it was not just the loss, but how we lost," Harrower said.
In round seven, Bendigo beat Logan by 30 points.
Logan will look to Emma Langford, Natalie Taylor and Kristen Veal to lead the attack.
A lot of Bendigo's attacking power was blunted by Townsville last round.
Spirit stars such as Elyse Penaluna, Kelsey Griffin, Gabe Richards, Kristi Harrower and Kelly Wilson will be determined to lead Bendigo in attack.
The clash with Logan is the start of a tough double as Spirit heads to Townsville for Sunday's game.
The Fire has won both contests with Bendigo this season.
"Sunday is going to be a great challenge for us," said Harrower.
"We have not won at Townsville since our first year.
"This is the first time we have played them up there so late in the season.
"It's a new challenge, but one we are looking forward to."
The long-time coach said Spirit had learnt a lot from the loss to Townsville.
"Now it's a matter of putting that effort into our play on the court."
The Bendigo Spirit and Logan Thunder match tips off at Bendigo Stadium in Marong Road at 7.30pm.