JJ’s win in Cairns to remain in playoff race

The Tasmania JackJumpers defence kept the Cairns Taipans scoreless for almost the final five minutes of regulation, allowing them to score an impressive 85-77 victory at the Cairns Convention Centre.

The win was much needed for the JackJumpers, who move to 14-11 for the season and a step closer to securing a spot in the post season.

The loss ends a six game winning streak for the Taipans, who remain in second place with a 16-8 record.

The game was built as a match up between two of the leagues best defensive teams. But the first half was low scoring turnover-fest between two sides who struggled to complete and offensive set.

Tasmania led the game 34-30 at half-time, with a combined 26 turnovers between both sides and only 22 made field goals. But thankfully things improved in the second half.

After holding a comfortable 62-55 lead at three quarter time, Tasmania saw that lead quickly disappear as Cairns took command of the game. The home side opened the quarter on a 22-12 scoring run, thanks to Bul Kuols 11 points and DJ Hogg’s nine points.

But back-to-back threes from Jack McVeigh (who had a game high 18 points), followed by another three from Milton Doyle (12 points) in the closing minutes seized the lead for Tasmania saw them score the final 11 points of the match, as Cairns were unable to execute, going scoreless on 0-9 from the field in the final 4.52.

After the game JackJumpers coach Scott Roth praised his teams effort after a disappointing loss earlier into the week to the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Launceston on Wednesday.

“This win was a great credit to our guys with the grit and grind, defend the island motto of what we do,” Roth said. 

“To bounce back after a tough one and come into this type of building against that type of team, and to walk out of here with the win is obviously really good for all of us,” he said.

This was Tasmania’s first win over Taipans this season, with Cairns comfortably winning the two previous encounters in Hobart by 22 (3 October) and nine points (17 December).

“I think the other thing is that it was kind of similar to our second game in Tasmania where we made a few more plays than them tonight, but last time they did. It was just a tough battle and they’ve got a hell of a team, and Fordey is Coach of the Year in my eyes. 

“When you win on the road, you just stay humble and move on and be happy that you got out of the building, ” he said.