Bendigo Braves men and women plan to lock down their home court on Sunday for NBL1's Pink Round Mother's Day clash against Geelong Supercats.
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Braves' women head into the match on top of the ladder with an undefeated 7-0 record, while the Supercats trail close behind in second place on 6-1, following the narrow one point loss to Frankston in round three.
However, there is one thing the women embrace more than anything - a solid home court challenge.
"They're arguably the biggest, youngest and most talented team in our league," Braves' Bianca Dufelmeier said.
One of the biggest threats from the Supercats will be the might of Sara Blicavs who this season has averaged 17.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game with 47 per cent shooting.
Blicavs has represented Australia and has experience in the WNBL - including time with the Bendigo Spirit from 2013-15.
"Sara can shoot from the outside, is strong in defence and has spent the last year out with a knee injury," Dufelmeier said.
"She's hungry to get back to where she was."
In order to defeat the Supercats, Dufelmeier believed the key was the Braves' defence.
"Each week we have a lapse which gives up easy points, but we always find ways to grit together to secure a win," Dufelmeier said.
"If we focus on our defence first, then our offence will flow and come together smoothly."
Braves' men head into the match seventh on the ladder with a 4-3 record, with the Supercats in fifth position and also with a 4-3 record.
Recent addition to the squad - Mathiang Muo - might be new to the Braves, but he knows the power of the Supercats all too well.
"They're a very tough team with a lot of guys who know how to play," Muo said.
"They're physical - but also smart. They have a good system and they do whatever is needed to win."
This will be Muo's third game with the Braves and already he has found his niche within the team and knows what it will take for the men to get a win.
"We will do all the little things, hustle, box-out and just go out on the court and compete," Muo said.
Braves will be supporting the OTIS Foundation's Mothers Day Appeal to raise awareness and provide free retreat accommodation to families dealing with the challenges of living with breast cancer.
OTIS Foundation fundraising and events manager Amanda Mitchell said it was great to have the support of both the Braves' men and women.
"Because it reflects that breast cancer is a disease that not only affects women," Mitchell said.
"Not only are 148 men expected to be diagnosed this year, but for every women diagnosed it affects those around her.
"The OTIS Foundation gifts retreat accommodation stays to people affected by breast cancer. While these are predominantly women, often it is the partner, children and loved ones who benefit most from the stay."
There will be raffles, auctions and other activities, with spectators encouraged to jump on board and support the cause.
Brazilian Beauty has donated a $500.00 gift voucher for first prize of the raffle - all proceeds going to OTIS.
A one-time #800 jersey, signed by both teams being auctioned off at halftime of the men's game - all proceeds going to OTIS.
Ferguson Plarre will be donating 250 pink glazed donuts to be sold at $3.50 each - all proceeds going to OTIS.
Women tip off at 12pm, followed by the men at 2pm at the Bendigo Stadium this Sunday.
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