The Tasmania JackJumpers were dealt a harsh NBL reality check by the Perth Wildcats, as they were beaten 63-93 at the Ulverstone Sports and Leisure Centre.
Following the first 3 Blitz games were they had been competitive, most JackJumpers fans would of expected a close game against a under-strength Wildcats team, boy were we wrong.
Despite a close opening quarter, the JackJumpers defense didn’t have its same hustle we had seen. There wildcats were able to stick around on the scoreboard thanks to some side open looks from outside thanks to some quick ball movement. They had done their homework on Magnay, and tried to disrupt the ball going inside at all costs, often leaving the JackJumpers offence scrambling to get another decent look before the shot clock ran down.
The JackJumpers struggled to find scoring options, McVeigh was not playing due to a calf strain and was soon joined on the bench by Clint Steindl who appeared to dislocate a finger in the first half and took no further part in the game. Magnay never really got going either, only attempting 2 shots for the game.
Perth started stretching the lead late in the first half with Majok Majok making the most of his size when Will Magnay was not on the floor, regularly presenting in the post that led to an easy basket or a trip to the free throw line.
The second half further exposed the JackJumpers defensive efforts, with Perth ball movement often leading to quality scoring opportunities. They ended up putting on a shooting clinic, 55% from the field, 53% from 3 (15 total made) and a perfect 100 percent from the line (17/17). They were beating Tasmania at their own game, as the JackJumpers fast faced team offence we’d seen in the opening games had completely deserted them. They shot a decent 43% from the field, however it was their inability to knock down big shorts from outside that really hurt them in this game (5/26 from outside).
The wildcats team centric passing game saw 7 of their 9 players get into double figures, and no doubt game Scott Roth
Sam McDaniel was the sole bright spot for Tasmania. The usually defensive focused forward scored 16 points, and was always looking threatening when he put the ball on the floor near the basket. Josh Magette was good as well with 17 points and 7 assists .
Bryce Cotton top scored for the wildcats with 18 but it was far from a one man show with 7 of their 9 players scoring in double figures. Their ball movement created opportunities all over the floor, and no doubt a game Scott Roth will be keen to encapsulate.
Embed from Getty ImagesKey Take aways
Second half struggles
The JackJumpers once again faded late in the game, losing the 50-30 in the second half. There was little chance of a final quarter fightback, but allowing 28 points in the final quarter will be of concern to Coach Roth.
Adjustment to NBL refs
Mikayle Mcintosh played tough and got a few bad calls but ended up fouling out after 16 minutes on court. This is not a big issue by itself, but it comes off the back of Josh Adams fouling out in 13 minutes against Adelaide. There is always an adjustment period for overseas basked players to get used to the Australian rules and reffing styles. Josh Magette also was called for an unsportsman like foul when he was deemed to play the player and not the ball when Majok Majok was driving to the ring. Hopefully a few more games and we won’t have to worry about keeping them on the floor.
Next up – JackJumpers have their final preseason hitout against the Cairns Taipans at the Elphin Sports Centre in Launceston on Friday26 November.
