JackJumpers come back to defeat Bullets in OT

After a lackluster first half, the Tasmania JackJumpers have come from 14 points down at half time to defeat the Brisbane Bullets 90-86 in overtime.

The JackJumpers were led by Milton Doyle, who finished with 32 points and played a major part of their second half comeback.

However, it didn’t all go their way, after hitting the lead in the opening minutes of the forth, they threatened to run over the Bullets. But Brisbane continually were able to stick with the JackJumpers, and forced a turnover in the dieing seconds and converted a three pointer to send the game to overtime.

Both sides hit big shots in the overtime, but defensive stops and clutch foul shooting gave them their first win of NBL 23

First half

Brisbane started the game strong, not settling for threes as they previously had this season and attacked the rim. As they were finishing on the inside, this also freed up their outside shooters, with Jason Cadee and Tyler Johnson making the most of several open looks from three.

Tasmania’s offense hadn’t made any adjustments from their loss to New Zealand on Friday. They opted for a lot of outside shots, but when they were not falling they were unable to find much on offer inside. Brisbane charging to an early 17-11 quarter time lead.

Things didn’t improve for the remainder of the second half for the home fans, as Brisbane continued to build their lead through solid offensive sets. Aron Baynes was a constant threat inside, but as he attracted a lot of attention inside it allowed Brisbane’s shooters space outside. After leading by as much as 16, Milton Doyle was able to get some momentum going to the JackJumpers with some solid solo offensive play but still trailed 31-45.

Second half

After a flat first half the JackJumpers began the process of clawing their way back into the game. Doyle had a lot more of the ball in his hands, but used it to bring more players into the game . Jack McVeigh put a disappointing first half behind him and looked to attack the basket every time he touched the ball. Rashard Kelly, Matt Kenyon and Jarred Weeks also knocked down threes to bring the lead down to single figures. The JackJumpers finished the quarter on a 15-3 run, to trail 55-54 at end of three.

Tasmania continued the momentum in the forth, taking the lead on the first play from a three pointer by McVeigh. But Brisbane were not rolling over just yet, and the teams traded baskets in tense and entertaining last quarter. The JackJumpers continued to work through Doyle, who was consistently able to find the basket late in the shot clock.

As Tasmania constantly looked to break away with a big win, Brisbane stayed in the game from outside. Their last 6 field goals all coming from outside, including three from Tyler Johnson. None bigger than in the dieing seconds of the game, after breaking up JackJumpers inbounds play, Johnson tied the game with only seconds remaining to take the game to overtime.

The drama continued in overtime with Weeks hitting a three, only to be matched by Sobey. The big shots continued by Cadee and McVeigh, but the JackJumpers imports Doyle and Kelly came up in the dying stages for the win.

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 90 (Doyle 32, McVeigh 17, Kelly 14)

BRISBANE BULLETS 86 (Johnson 24, Sobey 16, Cadee 14) 

BOXSCORE

Key stats

Once again it was the offensive rebounds that kept Tasmania in this game, leading that stat 14-5. This helped give Tasmania 14 extra shots, which was crucial in the win, leading second chance points 11-2.

Overall

This game meant a lot to both teams, but Tasmania were starting down a 0-4 start before hitting the road next round. Doyle’s 32 points was the offensive injection the team needed, with his teammates all feeding off his great play.

Interestingly Doyle’s great play came when Josh Magette was on the bench, and Roth will need to work out a way for both guards to co-exist. Until tonight Doyle has been unselfish with his play, but likely needs to step more into the scorers role and Magette as creator to help the team move forward

Up next

Tasmania hit the road for round 3, starting Thursday against Adelaide. This will be Adelaide’s first game after an extended pre-season against NBA teams. The JackJumpers then follow this up with a visit to Melbourne United on Sunday afternoon.