The Tasmania JackJumpers put on an impressive team performance on the opening night the Blitz. They had five players scoring in double figures as they defeated the South East Melbourne Phoenix 97-83 on the Gold Coast.
Tasmania struggled keeping out of foul trouble for most of the game, which saw Milton Doyle and Marcus Lee fouling out early in the second half. But Coach Scott Roth would of been happy with his bench, who stepped in the second half to secure the win.
Fabian Krslovich continued his strong preseason form to lead the team with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. New JackJumper Junior Madut also enjoyed his first games in the green and yellow, with 11 points three rebounds and three assists.
While third year development player Sean MacDonald once again is looking to take the next step in his short NBL career. He played a big role in running the team offence in the second half to finish with 13 points and four assists. But came up big in the final quarter, as the JJ’s outscored the Phoenix 26-15 including some clutch baskets in the closing minutes by Macdonald to seal the victory.
Despite fouling out after just 13 minutes of game time, there was a lot to like about Marcus Lee’s debut game for the JackJumpers. He was was a constant threat in the post, on the end of a number of alley-oop dunks, instantly clicking with fellow import Milton Doyle and Jordon Crawford. He finished the night with eight points and 4=four rebounds.
A number of his fouls were caused by trying to limit the impact of South East Melbourne import Tyler Cook, who joined the team as an short term injury replacement for Alan Williams. With Mitch Creek also missing the game through injury, athletic Cook was the Phoenix standout for the night, ending with 18 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
Milton Doyle also caught the attention of the referees, picking up three fouls in the first half. After being called his forth foul early in the second half, coach Scott Roth surprisingly elected to keep his star guard in the game. But the move backfired short after, with Doyle fouling out mid way through the third quarter,
Crawford also continued to look comfortable at NBL level. He struggled to find his shot throughout the game (3/14 FG) but was constantly attacking the basket and then kicking out to find open team mates to finish with 7 assists and six rebounds.
Overall is was a great team performance by the JackJumpers, whose depth was tested early after losing two of their key players mid way through the game. They have a couple of days break at the Blitz before taking on the New Zealand Breakers at 5pm on Tuesday 19 September.
TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 97 (Krslovic 16, McVeigh 13, Macdonald 13)
SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 84 (Cook 18, Cummings 17, Te Rangi 17)
