THE Bendigo Bank Braves will be desperate for a home-court victory in Saturday night's basketball clash with Sandringham Sabres at Bendigo Stadium.
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In season 2014 the Braves have racked up four wins and four defeats on their court.
The Ben Harvey-coached Braves put in one of their best performances to win at Canberra last round.
Now the challenge is to sharpen up skills once again for a crucial test with the Sabres.
Sandringham has a 5-10 record, but broke a five-match losing streak in last Sunday's win against Ballarat at The Minerdome.
A Sabres attack led by Junior Hairston, 25 points; Rayshaw Goins, 20; Nathan Croswell, 20; and Alister Macdonald, 16, cut through Ballarat's defence on the way to a 104-91 victory.
Dustin Salisbery hit a match-high 36 points in Bendigo's win against Canberra Gunners as Michael Vigor, Taylor Bell and Zach Atkinson played key roles.
The night's play at the Marong Road venue tips off at 6pm when the ladder-leading Bendigo Lady Braves take on Sandringham.
Bendigo, 10-3, will start hot favourite against the Sabres, who have a 1-13 record and this week decided to promote Paul Graham to replace Paul Flynn as coach.
Meanwhile, Sarah Strange has returned to the Lady Braves for the second half of the season.
Strange is a past co-captain of the club.
She represented Bendigo Spirit in the WNBL and has played more than 100 matches for the Lady Braves.
“I’m thrilled to have Sarah on the team again," Goodman said.
"She will be a great addition for us and will continue to help us in moving towards our goals this season. Sarah brings great experience and leadership to the court."