Otago has notched a draw and two losses in its three games so far and now finds itself having to win tomorrow to give itself a chance of making the finals.
Other results would have to go its way if it lost tomorrow, and it may also find itself in a battle for relegation from the top six.
All teams converge in Tauranga next weekend and play the following week to find the national champion.
Otago's last game of the round-robin is against Bay of Plenty away next weekend but concentration for the moment is on Canterbury tomorrow.
Otago coach Deb Tasi-Cordtz said the side wanted to be more focused the whole game and had worked this week to eliminate errors from its play.
"We have just got to get the whole package together. We have had great five-minute spells in all of our quarters but have fallen off and got behind."
Otago started out with a 56-56 draw with Waikato at home and then slumped to two narrow losses, 51-50 to Auckland-Waitakere and then 53-47 to Wellington.
For a side which had made the final last year, and was tipped to feature strongly this season, to still be winless after three games is disappointing.
"We just need to be more consistent with our play. Find players and get the ball through court like we know we can. We have just had an error or two in each quarter and then we find ourselves down each quarter.
"We are creating turnovers down the defensive end but not following it through to get the ball down the other end."
The team has worked hard on its flow through court this week, with lots of game simulation at training sessions, and hopes to find the winning formula tomorrow.
It will be glad to be back home after a disappointing couple of weeks away.
Wing defence Stacey Peeters makes a welcome return to action after being missing from the line-up in past weeks due to a hamstring strain.
The junior international will add energy on court and hopefully be able to help get the ball through to the attacking end for Otago.
All games have been close in this competition and the result can swing on a few key moments.
Those key moments have not been won by the southern side so far this season and Otago will hope things go its way tomorrow.
Canterbury has won all three games in the national competition so far, beating Bay of Plenty 65-44, Wellington 64-56 and Waikato 50-47 last Sunday.
It had a strong unit through the court with former Silver Fern Anna Thompson at the attacking end and Bessie Manu at the defensive end.
Otago v Canterbury
Tomorrow, 12.30pm Edgar Centre
Otago: Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Kate Shearer, Olivia Bates, Gina Crampton, Shannon Francois (captain), Miaana Walden, Demelza McLeod, Storm Purvis, Stacey Peeters, Zoe Walker, Grier Campbell, Harriet Arbuckle.
Canterbury: Hannah Brand, Sophie Fenwick, Keshia Grant, Ellen Halfpenny, Elizabeth Hayman, Gemma Hazeldine, Elizabeth Manu, Anna Thompson, Joanna Trip, Jane Watson.
