Cheers can get Rollers into finals

THE Gold Coast Rollers are hoping for a vocal crowd at Carrara tonight as their Queensland Basketball League playoff hopes go on the line against Ipswich.

The Rollers need to win both games in the final regular round of the season this weekend to seal a playoff spot.

But their clash against Toowoomba on Sunday – also at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre – becomes a dead rubber if they cannot overcome Ipswich Force tonight.

After a spluttering start to the season, the Rollers have finally found their groove and could be a thorn in the side of any team if they are able to make the playoffs.

That depends on them being able to overcome their Force hoodoo though, with the former club of Gold Coast coach Mick Conlon winning the opening game of their series by a single point last month.

A win by any margin would push the Rollers one step closer to the playoffs but they would still need to beat Toowoomba on Sunday to make the finals with a 9-9 record.

Rockhampton could also finish the regular season at 9-9 with a win against South West Metro tomorrow.

But their 130-86 loss to the Gold Coast will cost them the series against the Rollers – the first criterion used to break a tie. The Rollers women face a tough task against secondplaced Ipswich tonight but will be out to finish the season on a high against wooden spooners Toowoomba.