The Otago premier side will be looking to defend its undefeated status and keep its Lois Muir Challenge campaign on track with games against Canterbury and Cook Strait in Dunedin this weekend.
Otago has been one of the form teams in the inaugural competition, dispatching Waikato 63-36 in the opening round and getting up against its neighbour, Southland, 46-43 in a thriller in Invercargill.
With home court advantage, Otago will go into its matches as favourite but Cook Strait should present a stern challenge.
The Wellington-Tasman combined team has had impressive wins against Canterbury and Auckland but was beaten by Bay of Plenty 36-47.
Otago coach Janine Southby said her side showed a lot of character in a tight match against Southland and was starting to gel.
‘‘The girls are growing in confidence after having limited build up, and are just starting to come together nicely.
‘‘Now they are getting time on court they keep learning and are progressing, and it's great to see."
New Zealand under-21 squad member Milly Lees has been going well in the midcourt, and defenders Hannah Broederlow and Jamie Power have snaffled a lot of ball at the back.
Shooter Greir Campbell has shown improvement and has plenty of experience around her with former Otago Rebels Anna Molineaux and Lizzie Sandom competing for starting places.
‘‘I've got a starting line-up which is looking strong, but I've really got 12 players I can select from.''
Otago's showdown with Cook Strait at 10.30 tomorrow morning at the Edgar Centre promises to be the highlight of the weekend's games.
Otago should be too strong for Canterbury, which has been struggling with three consecutive defeats.
The month-long tournament is a feeder competition for the ANZ Championship. It is designed to provide pathways for players and simulate the professional environment.