Heat are not about to rest on laurels
THE Townsville Heat’s playoff spot is already assured, but coach Rodney Anderson still believes tonight’s final round home clash with the Sunshine Coast Phoenix is a “must win”.
Every position from first through to 12th could change this weekend, with the secondplaced Heat a chance to claim the minor premiership should Mackay drop their home game against South West Metro.
Anderson insisted they weren’t banking on that result, but he said it was still crucial that Townsville produce their best against the Phoenix or risk slipping down the ladder.
“We have to get the win. If we lose this game we can drop to third, which takes away the chance of a home final in the semis so we’ve still got a lot to play for,” Anderson said.
“Sunshine Coast have still got a mathematical chance of making the eight so they’ve got a lot to play for as well.
“Every game really matters this weekend so it’s really good for the QBL and for us it means we don’t just have a dead game to go into the playoffs.
“We have to be really on top of the scout for this team and make sure we get this win.”
Heat import Jordair Jett hasn’t played over the past three weeks as he manages a hamstring injury, but Anderson was hopeful the dynamic combo guard will get some court time tonight.
“I wouldn’t say he’ll play a lot of minutes, but I think it would just be good to get some rust out,” the coach said.
“He’s had a lot of physio this week so it would be good for us to reintegrate him back into the starting line- up.”
Tonight’s men’s game tips off at 8.30pm at the Murray Basketball Stadium.