Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence dished out a 111-41 slaughter last weekend but Ballinger said he had every confidence his beleaguered troops would respond positively.

“Yes, we’re going to win,” he said.

“Why go into anything thinking that you’re going to lose?

“I think I’m going to win when I’m playing Monopoly.

“Last week was obviously tough; tough on everyone who plays or is associated with the club.

“But what I love about this group is its ability to move on and become resilient from it.

“Both teams are 0-2 and whoever can pick themselves up off the mat will walk away with the win.”

The Lady Bandits take on a Lady Sabres outfit led by forward Hope Walker, who is dominating early to the tune of 22.5 points and 11 rebounds per game.

Along with Walker, Sandringham boasts a backcourt rotation of Micaela Cocks, Kate Malpass and WNBL guard Mikaela Dombkins and Ballinger admitted his charges face a big job.

“They’re an incredibly talented line-up,” Ballinger said.

“I think they’ve got one of the best backcourts in the league.

“And Hope Walker is probably the best big in the league at this stage, she’s a phenomenal player.

“So we have to be really switched on and mix it up a bit more.

“Show them a few different looks and get them out of sync, but there’s tough match-ups everywhere.”

Rachel Maenpaa underwent a fitness test on her ankle at training last night but is still doubtful to play.

Tip-off at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre is 6pm, followed by the men’s game.