
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.