Despite being down by double figures in the first half, the JackJumpers produced an inspiring second half of basketball to defeat the Perth Wildcats 85-78 at RAC Arena.
After going down by 32 point against the Breakers in New Zealand just 5 days ago, the JackJumpers were desperate to find some form. They found it over 5000km west in Perth for the perfect bounce-back win.
Embed from Getty Images“I just love our guys, they are a pack of guys who grind and grit, and try to defend the island the best they can and try to make Tasmanians proud,” JackJumpers coach Scott Roth said post game.
“This is quite a long road trip for us and this is the finish of our really difficult travel for the last five weeks, and we’re thankful to move on from here.”
The team was led by Jack McVeigh’s 22 points, however it was once again a team performance. With Milton Doyle (15 points , 10 rebounds, five assists), Josh Magette (18 points) and Rashard Kelly (12 points, nine rebounds) all playing leading roles in the win.
However, the match was tightly contested between the two sides, with Bryce Cotton almost single handed taking over the game. He had 16 points in the first half, and threatened to run away with the win when they led at halftime and producing some vintage Cotton baskets. But adjustments by Scott Roth saw Cotton to limit his time with the ball, which limited Cotton to 10 second half points on few opportunities..
Embed from Getty ImagesThe wildcats twice held leads of 11 in the first half and then eight in the third quarter, but on both occasions the JackJumpers were able to come back and remain in striking distance. Tasmania eventually took a two point lead at the end of the third.
With the game in the balance it was Josh Magette who was the difference, as he knocked down three baskets from outside in the opening minutes of the forth quarter, to open up a double digit lead. Once they had the lead they worked the clock and iced the game with high percentage shots and ran out winners 85-78
Embed from Getty ImagesPERTH WILDCATS 77 (Cotton 26, Wagstaff 13, Thomas 9)
TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 85 (McVeigh 22, Magette 18, Doyle 15)
Key takeaways from the game
Tasmania out-rebounded Perth 48-32, including 15-5 on offensive rebounds. This led to Tasmania having 18 more field goal attempts through the game
The huge discrepancy in field goals wasn’t just thanks to rebounding, but was also with often Perth got to the to the foul line. They got to the line 31 times compared to Tasmania’s 11, on the back of a 21-13 foul count.
Next up
Tasmania have a short turnaround from Perth, but are finally back at home when they host the Brisbane Bullets at 5.30pm on Saturday. Following that the NBL takes a two week break for FIBA qualifying matches.
