New Zealand Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis is bracing his team for an "absolute war," as it stands on the verge of making trans-Tasman sporting history by becoming the first Kiwi side to win a major Australian competition.
Leading the best-of-three finals series 1-0 after an 85-67 home victory last Wednesday, the Breakers can deliver an expectant nation the NBL title by winning game two at the Snakepit on Sunday.
The Breakers have won all four of their games against Cairns this season, but Lemanis expects a torrid clash in front of a passionate sell-out crowd.
He echoed the sentiments of his Cairns counterpart Aaron Fearne, who on Friday said he expected Sunday's game to be a war.
"This thing will be an absolute war in game two," Lemanis said before flying to Australia.
"All the finals series have gone to three games because in game two the teams with their back up against the wall have been desperate.
"We've just got to make sure we match the desperation of Cairns, that they will bring."
The Breakers' exploits have inevitably elevated expectations back home, but Lemanis believes his team has done a good job of handling those external pressures.
"I think that's a really good strength of ours, all season we haven't got distracted by the external influences, we've focused on the day to day," he said.
The Breakers boast a league best 11-4 road record this season and are one of only two teams to have won in Cairns.
While Cairns has not beaten the Breakers this season, Fearne did not feel his side would start Sunday's game at a psychological disadvantage.
"The worst was that they beat us, they kicked our butts pretty much in that first finals game," Fearne said.
"The three games during the regular season were great games and were pretty close contests.
"If we'd been had four times in a row then it might be a bit different, but we definitely don't think that. We've played some excellent ball against them."
He was expecting a bigger contribution from forward Alex Loughton, who averages 13 points a game through his NBL career but was held scoreless on Wednesday.
"He's got to come out and play well for us," Fearne said.
"I'm sure he just can't wait to get back on the court after Wednesday's game."
Fearne reiterated rebounding would be a key area for Cairns after it got beaten 38-29 on the boards in game one.
"If we can get the advantage on the glass, that puts us in a good position to win the game," he said.
"If we don't it's going to be a struggle, so that would be the big key for me."
- AAP
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