If ever Basketball Geelong’s Big V men’s team was going to answer a challenge, now is the time.

After going into the Big V Division One men’s grand final best-of-three series as favourite, Geelong is 1-0 down and on the brink against Sunbury Jets.

While Geelong went into Game 1 on Saturday confident of victory without being over-confident, it received a harsh reminder about the value of free-throws.

On the way to losing 98-86, Geelong went just 13-34 from the free-throw line while Sunbury was 15-20 to make the most of their chances from the charity stripe.

Geelong went 5-15 from the line during the crucial third period when it could have taken control of the contest, then was overrun 30-17 by the Jets in the fourth quarter.

It was a disappointing result for Geelong, but now leaves them knowing they simply need two wins at home this Saturday and Sunday to take the title.

``We know exactly what we need to do,’’ Geelong coach Lanard Copeland said. ``When you miss that many free-throws, you know you’re going to probably pay a penalty.

``We did pay a penalty by losing that game and now we have to come out and play like there’s no tomorrow. We can’t afford any more slip-ups.’’

Centre Sebastian Loader (22 points, 20 rebounds) played a big game, but he was the main culprit from the free-throw line, going 4-12, while guard Ben Suchanek (18 points, 3-9 FT) also had the yips.

The Jets also did a good job rebounding with 16 second-chance points and on defence with Paul Hutchison (16 points, 5-15 FG) and Keith Harrison (six points) held below their season averages.

``We had a couple of guys down, but we’ll come back,’’ Copeland said. ``We’ll come back hard. We know what’s on the line and we’re not going to let it go easily.’’

Game 2 of the grand final is at The Arena on Saturday night at 7pm, while Game 3 (if needed) will be at The Arena on Sunday at 2pm.