Improved rebounding, intensity focus for Force men

BASKETBALL: The Ipswich Force men know they have a mountain to climb to beat Brisbane Capitals on their home court on Saturday night.

However, ever-positive head coach Chris Riches is taking a different approach to the 7pm Queensland Basketball League clash at Auchenflower.

After two early losses, Riches has been focusing on rebounding and intensity among a variety of areas he's working on with a young group.

Logan's superior offensive rebounding hurt Force the most in last Sunday's 104-86 loss at Llewellyn Stadium.

That came after a similar losing margin to Cairns a week earlier.

Force played the highly regarded Capitals twice in the pre-season, producing a better performance in their second clash.

The Capitals have a huge advantage with an established system in place. However, Riches is keen to see how his team handles the pressure after a solid preparation.

"The guys are really putting in at the moment working hard,'' he said.

"I think it's a really good opportunity for us to see a team that has played against us probably a month ago to see how we perform this time. To see how we are improving.''

Force recruit Joe Owens will be rested with a sore back after suffering a twinge at training on Tuesday night.

Game day

QBL: Saturday (7pm) - Ipswich Force v Brisbane Capitals at NAB Stadium, Auchenflower.

QBL Women: Saturday (5pm) - Ipswich Force v Brisbane Capitals at NAB Stadium.