Game Details
Round 15, Illawarra Hawks (2-18, 10th) vs Tasmania JackJumpers (11-10, 4th)
7.30pm AEDT Tuesday 10 January @ Wollongong Entertainment Centre
Watch: ESPN via Kayo/Foxtel
Game context
Last Saturday the JackJumpers had a golden opportunity to separate themselves from the pack chasing playoff spots with a win against the 8th placed Melbourne United at home. However a spirited performance by United saw them over-run Tasmania in the second half, as they also entered the congested race for a playoff spot.
Some favourable results across the weekend meant the loss didn’t impact the JackJumpers as much as it could of, and they remain in 4th spot. However, with six games to go they can’t afford to drop any more winnable games. This starts on Tuesday night against the bottom placed Illawarra Hawks in Wollongong.
The Hawks have had a significant number of significant setbacks this season, which sees last seasons semi finalists only winning two games so far season. The fact their two import replacements have both suffered season-ending injuries within the week last, very well sums up their fortunes NBL23.
Despite their misfortunes though they have remained incredibly competitive on court, and looked set to pull a major upset over the Adelaide 36ers on Friday night, but what appeared a certain win slipped through their fingers thanks to a 17-0 Sixers run.
Despite missing key players in Peyton Siva and Michael Frazier, they still boast quality Sam Froling and Tyler Harvey who both have stepped up their games in recent weeks.
On paper this seems looks like a easy W for Tasmania, but as they showed on Friday and now with a home crowd behind them, anything is possible.
This is the first of two games in wollongong for Tasmania to round out the season, two big wins could go a long way to securing a playoff spot.
Stat facts
Leaking points has been an issue for Illawarra throughout the NBL 22-23 season, they currently allow the most points in the NBL at 92.9 points per game. Meanwhile Tasmania give up the second fewest at 82.0.
Tasmania has won the only game between the two sides at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre 96-86. They famously won this game after knocking an NBL record-equalling 22 three pointers. This included 8/11 from Josh Adams and 4/4 from Sam McDaniel.
Lineups
The JackJumpers will be at full strength again. Despite being fit to play against Melbourne United both with Sam McDaniel and Matt Kenyon did not see any court time. With another training under them expect Roth to give them both some time against the Hawks tonight.
As mentioned above, the Hawks have been hit hard by injury with imports, and leading scorers, Peyton Siva and Michael Frazier both ruled out for the season.
What has been said
Tasmania coach Scott Roth discussed that despite their record, Illawarra will be a tough road game for his team.
“They’re playing for their pride and some of other guys are plying for contracts and whatever else down there and so they have a free swing to just go out and play and be free and do what they need to do.
“It an important game for us on the road and we’ll have to be prepared. They’re quite scrappy, especially in that building they’ve done quite well, and we’ll have our hands full.”
Scott Roth, at press conference following loss to Melbourne United.
While following their loss to Adelaide on Friday night, Illawarra Hawks Coach Jacob explained how a break between games and time away each other can help his team.
“Rest is our friend right now and being away from each other for a little bit and resetting it, we’ve always been great that way. So that’s going to be really good for us. But I know that when we get back in the gym you know we’re going to have another great day and we’ll see what we can do in front of our fans.
Jacob Jackomas, at press conference following loss to Adelaide 36érs.
NBL 22-23 Matchups
The two sides hadn’t played one another until 22 December. In this game Siva and Frazier had both been late withdrawals, and Tasmania overran a depleted Illawarra Hawks side 87-60. The match was dominated by Tasmania’s defensive pressure which forced 20 turnovers, which resulted in 19 points.
Title image features original photo courtesy of Wikipedia commons – Gareth Edwards
