Match facts
Tasmania JackJumpers 83 defeated New Zealand Breakers 59
Boxscore
Summary
The JackJumpers have secured consecutive wins for the first time, downing the New Zealand Breakers 83-59 in Hobart.
Despite being a “home” game for the breakers, Tasmania dominated the first half on the back of hot shooting from Josh Magette, Jack McVeigh and Josh Adams.
After going scoreless in his past two games, Jack McVeigh opened the game scoring 8 of the teams first 10 points. Josh Adams also was threating on offence, not settling for outside shots but attacking the rim for 6 first quarter points.
New Zealand 2 week layoff due to COVID protocols was evident, as they were looking stagnant on offence, were being outmuscled on the boards and were constantly turning the ball over. Tasmania took an 23-13 lead to quarter time.
The second quarter belonged to Josh Magette, with one point in the opening quarter he single handled took over the game. After hitting his 3 point field goal with 6.56 to play in the half, he proceeded to hit another four from long range to end the half with 16 points on 5/6 from outside.
McVeigh, Magnay, Adams all contributed but were the supporting cast as the JackJumpers took a 53-27 lead at the half.
Despite trailing by 26 points, the Breakers came out much better in the second half, particularly on the defensive end. The JackJumpers stayed focused on running their offensive sets as the teams went basket for basket. Magette focused on distributing the ball, but still was able to knock down another three. The Breakers made slight inroads, but were still down 67-47 at the end of the third.
The final quarter didn’t reach any great heights as the JackJumpers held their lead. They were able to provide some valuable minutes to the bench, with Shane McDonald and Nikita Mikalovksi able to get on the scoreboard. Magette ended his 3 point assault with a forth field goal from downtown, to finish the night at 7/11 from long range.
The 83-59 final scoreline highlighted a great team win, that followed on from a scrappy victory on Friday night. Although Magette had the highlights, it was a great team performance from the JackJumpers at both ends of the floor. Jack McVeigh getting back on the scoresheet, Josh Adams playing in a reserved capacity and not forcing shots were both great outcomes.
For the Breakers, they already missing Peyton Siva with Injury, Finn Delany and import Jeremiah Martin struggled shooting the ball, going 2/18 combined over the night. Breakers star Yannick Wetzel was solid with 15 points overall while Next Star Ousmane Dieng benefited from with some extended minutes on the court. His length bothered the JackJumpers on defense, but also got some great looks on offence, however shot 4/11 for 9 points.
After the game Jack McVeigh praised his teammates in helping him score 17 points.
“The coaches have been on me, stay confident. They got me great looks, they found me, they did the work, I just finished it off. Definitely a shoutout to my team mates for getting me that one, ” he told ESPN post game.
Josh Magette praised his team mates and the crowd the turned up to the away game.
“Its great you know, for this many people to show up short notice, it didn’t feel like an away game that’s for sure. I think it just speaks to the work we’ve put in and we’re continuing to grow and increase our chemistry together. So where just turning it the right way and i’m happy to be here
Embed from Getty ImagesTake aways from the game
Rebounding
The JackJumpers have one of the shortest lineups in the league and struggle on rebounds. However, they dominated the glass all night to win the rebounds 49-33, including
No Steindl, no worries
Usually one of our most dependable offensive players. Steindl didn’t trouble the scoresheet tonight going 0/6 from the field. We’d love him to score more, but a nice change that the scoring load was off his shoulders tonight.
Mikalovski scores first points
Two appearance in two games for the young Russian next star. He finally opened his scoring account with a nice drive to the basket. He also had a 3 rim out in the final minute. Hopefully we’ll see him a bit more as the season goes continues.
Up next
The team get to stay locally for the week before taking on the Sydney Kings in Hobart on Friday night. The teams played a great pre-christmas contest that saw the Kings overun the JackJumpers in the last quarter. Both teams had good wins today and should be a great matchup on Friday.
