A six-point loss in Wednesday night’s match at Kilsyth pushed the reigning champions from the top rung to second.

Long-time coach of the Lady Braves, Bernie Harrower said yesterday the battle in Ballarat would be a great test of the team’s character.

"The loss at Kilsyth was disappointing, but now the challenge is Ballarat on its court.

"This match becomes a mammoth one in terms of finishing the home-and-away season on top of the ladder, or as low as third."

Not a lot went right in the Lady Braves’ lead-up to the match at Kilsyth.

Low fuel in one bus and then a flat tyre on another meant a much later start to the road trip.

"We were then caught in traffic for quite a while."

A stuttering run to Kilsyth was then transferred to the basketball court.

"We just never really got going at the attacking end of the court," Harrower said.

"We had a lot of good looks at the basket, but not too many fell."

By the final buzzer, Kilsyth led 61-55.

"Defensively it was another terrific effort," said Harrower.

The Lady Braves’ attack was led by centre Gabe Richards, 23 points, with Lauren King the next best on nine.

"Playing at Ballarat will be a great challenge and one we are looking forward to.

"The defeat at Kilsyth has put more pressure on, but I am confident we will bounce back," Harrower said.

Last week, Ballarat scored a 10-point win on Frankston’s court.

Michelle Musselwhite led Ballarat’s attack on 21 points.

The Lady Miners also had Lynley Doherty, 12, and Crystal Coston, 11, on target.

Harrower said the Lady Braves’ run to consecutive championship victories in the past two seasons had been typified by the ability to bounce back from defeats.

"We will have to work hard all match, especially on Ballarat’s court."

Tonight’s match at the Minerdome tips off at 6pm.

The Lady Braves will be back on their home court at the Schweppes Centre for tomorrow night’s clash with the Albury-Wodonga Bandits.

Meanwhile, the Bendigo Telstra Braves head north for tonight’s SEABL clash with the Southern District Spartans in Queensland.

The Wayne Larkins-coached Braves achieved a one-one record in last weekend’s road trip to Canberra.

A big weekend for the Braves will be capped by tomorrow night’s home game against Albury-Wodonga at the Schweppes Centre.