The Ararat Redbacks victory over Terang Tornadoes has earned the team first place on the ladder and a home semi-final.
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For the Redbacks, the tournament has so far been a triumph over adversity.
The season not only started late due to COVID-19, but earlier this month seemed like it might also be curtailed due to COVID-19, as the snap five-day lockdown prevented teams from taking to the court for round five.
But whenever they have been able to play, the Redbacks have been scintillating.
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The 86-57 win over the Tornadoes means they enter the finals unbeaten, with four wins from four games.
Redbacks coach Marcus Jenkins said he is immensely proud of his team's development.
"It's taken three years to get us to where we are now as a really strong team," he said.
"I can't credit the boys enough. They've put in so much work and now they're reaping the benefits of it."
With the way the boys are playing, I would like a huge crowd to be there for us.
Jenkins said he was also elated with the team's support and was hoping for more of the same when they face Warrnambool Seahawks on Saturday, February 27.
"The support this year has been through the roof for us," he said.
"With the way the boys are playing, I would like a huge crowd to be there for us."
Warrnambool Seahawks had come closest to defeating the Redbacks than any other team this season, with just nine points separating the teams when they played in round three.
Jenkins said to defeat them in the semi-final, the Redbacks would have to be at their best.
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"They really pushed us when we played them in the second round," he said.
"It was just our willpower that got us over the line against them."
The semi-final will begin at 7pm at Ararat Fitness and Leisure Centre.
If the Redbacks claim victory, they will head to Colac to play either Portland Coasters or Colac Kookas in the grand final.
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