Olivia Epoupa looks to make the most of Canberra Capitals' WNBL shot

The regular turnover of imports in the WNBL means the French point guard has little alternative as she sets her sights on a grand final appearance.

The Capitals will look to secure a place in the decider when they meet the Melbourne Boomers at State Basketball Centre on Sunday.

Epoupa fills one of two import slots on Canberra's roster alongside Canadian star Kia Nurse, the league's most valuable player who is preparing to end her stint down under.

The Capitals will set their sights on a championship before diving into further contract negotiations with their stars.

It gives them an added incentive to make the most of their time together - which could be as little as three games if all goes to plan for Epoupa and coach Paul Goriss.

"It's like a new season, playoffs are like a new season," Epoupa said.

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"We have to increase the intensity, of course, because the determination is doubled.

"We have to know every single possession is going to be like our last. We have to lift the intensity and be very focused.

"They're going to be very motivated, this is the last chance for them. We are also determined to get this ticket to the finals, it's going to be a very tough game.

"We're going to play away so that will play a difference. We know we're going to make mistakes, so we have to stay calm, especially when we go away.

"We know we can be better, we can be strong, let's go."

Goriss has backed the Capitals to be even stronger after Marianna Tolo overcame an illness to get a full week of practice under her belt.

A win sends Canberra straight into their second consecutive grand final series while a loss would set up a third and deciding game at the AIS Arena on Wednesday.

The Capitals took a one-game lead in the best of three series last week to leave Melbourne staring down the barrel of a straight sets exit for the second time in as many years.

"There's an element of freedom for both teams," Goriss said.

"We can play a little bit free knowing it's kind of a free punch for us, knowing if need it we've got game three back at home.

"For them, there's a little bit more pressure because they have to win it to stay in contention. Especially in front of your home crowd, you want to do well.

"There's going to be the added bonus of [having them] in that pressure environment, and being swept last year 2-0 and it could happen again.

"The pressure comes back on them."

WNBL SEMI-FINALS

Semi-final series two (all times in AEDT)

Game one: Canberra Capitals 84 bt Melbourne Boomers 70 at AIS Arena.

Sunday, February 23: Game two - Melbourne Boomers v Canberra Capitals at State Basketball Centre, 6pm.

Wednesday, February 26: Game three (if necessary) - Canberra Capitals v Melbourne Boomers at AIS Arena. Time TBC.