A determined second half performance by the Tasmania JackJumpers has seen them overcome a 13 point to record an 94-90 win over Melbourne United at John Cain Arena.
It was a team performance by the JackJumpers who had five players scoring in double figures, led by Milton Doyle with 23. Doyle in particular was impressive in the final quarter, where he scored 8 of the JackJumpers final 15 points as they snatched .
“Milt was fantastic, you know he’s quite smooth and easy-going and not looking likes hes doing a lot and then he has these explosions where he’s really tough to handle,” JackJumpers Coach Scott Roth said.
Melbourne began the game strong, thanks to the hot hand of Chris Goulding. He had 13 first quarter points, as United jumped out to a 31-23 lead. Tasmania adjusted thier defense in the second quarter to slow down Goulding and United, and were also find offense though Jack McVeigh and Sean Macdonald. The two combining for 17 of the JackJumpers 24 points as they trailed 53-47.
“We had a lot of breakdowns of some of our coverages in areas where we just let them off the hook I think”. Scott Roth said.
“Then they had some great shot making. When Chris [Goudling] sees the ball go in, its a problem and it starts to open other things.”
The “other things” in the second half was Xavier Rathan-Mays, who was the focal point of the offense for United in the second half. They quickly opened up a double-digit lead with consecutive baskets to open the second quarter. A quick JackJumpers timeout led to some improved defence, but also baskets from Doyle and Josh Magette. Rather-Mays continued to be a tough matchup on the offensive end, having 18 points going into the final quarter, but United holding onto a small four point lead.
Tasmania were within striking distance throughout the final quarter, hitting clutch shots, however United were continually able to find a response. Rayson Tucker looked the key for Melbourne, as he knocked down key shot and pulled off an impressive dunk to stretch the lead out to seven points. But the JackJumpers didn’t go away, with key baskets from Milton Doyle in the closing minutes, including a three-point play gave Tasmania their first lead. Key defensive stops in the final 30 seconds ended up giving Tasmania another big win in Melbourne.
Coach Scott Roth was praised his teams change in mindset after halftime
“The second half was just about us getting back to just getting the ball levelled off and slowing down just a tad offensively also and kind of grinding away a little bit more These guys were relentless.”
But was very impressed by the fight put up by United.
“United you know they are quite scrappy and played a hell of a game and obviously could of gone either way”
TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 94 (Doyle 23, McVeigh 17, Macdonald 14)
MELBOURNE UNITED 90 (Tucker 23, Goulding 21, Rathan-Mayes 20)
Key Take aways from the game
Despite starting the game, Will Magnay (13 minutes)and Clint Steindl (9 minutes) both played limited gametime. Coach Roth said that its just part of their return from injury and that both will still need 3-4 games to get back to full match fitness
Sean Mcdonald’s 14 points was a career high, and despite being a development player plays an important role with the JackJumpers rotation. Scott Roth is full of praise for him and making the most of his minutes on court.
“He’s on the floor and he’s earned his right to be on the floor and that’s just how we do it down there. I don’t promise anyone anything other than an opportunity and Sean has grabbed onto it with both hands, Scott Roth said.
Next up
Just the one game next round for the JackJumpers, as they head north to take on the Brisbane Bullets on Sunday 4 December at 3pm.
