Wollongong beat the Sixers in the semi-finals on the way to their 2001 title, Damon Lowery's famous free throws securing a thrilling game three victory.

The 36ers have won four NBL titles and have always been one of the toughest away trips. A game in Adelaide was traditionally preceded by a match in Perth as part of the dreaded "doomsday double", making it even harder to win.

Veteran guard Mat Campbell said the poor record was an added motivation for his team.

"The record creates a rivalry for us," he said. "Back in the early days we'd only won once or twice and they'd put it in the paper every time we'd go there.

"Obviously back in the early days, when I first started, it was a bit of a cauldron over there - they had quality teams and they didn't lose a lot of their games."

Adelaide crowds are notoriously one-sided and love putting pressure on visiting sides.

"They're a very educated crowd over there," Campbell explained.

"They love their basketball in South Australia and their junior programs are extremely strong, so the crowd get to know the game and they influence the referees by the way they cheer.

"So every time you go in there you know it's going to be a hell of a battle," he admitted.

The 36ers are third with a 5-4 record. Since the retirement of club legend Brett Maher at the end of last season they have taken on a new look, with the recruitment of import guards Cortez Groves and John Gilchrist.

"Both of those guys are tough and can score points and (Adam) Ballinger was on fire last week," Campbell said.

Ballinger, a former Hawk, is the NBL's reigning player of the week after his 36-point, 11-rebound performance against Gold Coast.

Although they only have a 1-3 away record this season, Wollongong have been competitive in each of their road losses.