Tasmania 87 (Jack Mcveigh 16 points 8 rebounds, Josh Magette 13 points 6 assists)
defeated
Cairns 80 (Nathan Jawai 17 points, Tahjere McCall 14 points)
Match Summary
After falling behind by 10 in the first half, the Tasmania JackJumpers used a big 3rd quarter to propel them to a 87-80 victory over the Cairns Taipans.
Heading into the game the JackJumpers needed a win required to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. While the Taipans were out of the playoff race, but coming in on a three game winning streak and looking to end the season on a high.
With the pressure of them, the Taipans were playing free flowing basketball and dictating play in the first half.
NBL leading rebounder Jake Zimmerman was a late withdrawal for the Taipans, which left banged up Nate Jawai taking a larger role in the paint. Big Nate was a problem for the small JackJumpers all night, with Taipans Coach Adam Forde running every possession through him. He was beating them one-on-one in the post, but would kick it out to the open shooter once drawing the double team.
Jawai’s effort played a huge part in the Taipans taking nine point lead into the half time break. But for the defensive minded coach of the Jack Jumpers Scott Roth, it was 49 points scored against his team that was frustrating.
“The conversation at half-time was that we weren’t ourselves. Our aggressiveness and toughness, and everything we’ve hung our hats on all year needed to lift if we were to win the game,” JackJumpers coach Scott Roth said.
Coach’s Roth half time words to his troops at halftime had instant results. Their defensive intensity lifted, forcing seven turnover for the quarter and the Taipans scoring dried up. Tassie big man Jarred Bairstow in particular caused a number stops. While at the other end Jack McVeigh and Josh Adams, who had quiet first halves, were finding the bottom of the net.
"BOMBS AWAY FOR JACK McVEIGH!"
— NBL (@NBL) April 8, 2022
An absurd 24-5 run for the @JackJumpers in the third#NBL22 live on @ESPNAusNZ pic.twitter.com/ZOk7YkbPz9
By the end of the third quarter Tasmania had turned a nine point half time deficit into a seven point lead.
But the game was soured with a serious leg injury to Scott Machado, who hadn’t long returned t the lineup after a heel injury early in the season. Machado was unable to return to the game.
Tasmania stretched the lead to as many as 14 in the final term on the back of solid defense and fast break offence. However the Taipans weren’t done, a late run that included 3’s from Jarrod Kenny, Kouat Noi, several key post baskets from Jawai and a three point play from Tyrese Mccall had the Taipans within three points in the final minute.
But a clutch three from Jarrod weeks, his third for the game, sealed the game for Tasmania.
JARRAD WEEKS IN THE NEST WITH THE 🗡️
— NBL (@NBL) April 8, 2022
HUGE hit from @weeksy_11 for the @JackJumpers #NBL22 live on @ESPNAusNZ pic.twitter.com/VfkHuD7T1t
“In the second half it was definitely a turnaround and I can’t think of a more impactful eight minutes for us than this guy (Jarred Bairstow) with his energy and passion to just go play, and make big plays for us especially on the defensive end,” Roth said post game.
Embed from Getty ImagesKey Takeaways from the game
Offensive rebounds
This seems to be a highlight each game in the last month, but the JackJumpers were relentless on the boards, winning 43-33. But it was on the offensive end that they shone, grabbing 17 offensive rebounds to Cairns 6. Resulting in 18 second chance points.
McIntosh the creator
His points have been more consistent in recent weeks, but it was all around game that was pleasing. He made great decisions on the offensive end, provided great screen, smart extra passes and was a presence on the boards. His 11 points, five rebounds and five assists was a great result from his 19 minutes on court.
Next up – The JackJumpers have week break before they are hosted by the NZ breakers at a closed away match at MyState Bank Arena.
