Despite a late fightback by the Tasmania JackJumpers, a defensive masterclass from Melbourne United saw them win 80-72 in a top of the table clash in Hobart.
It was a tight battle throughout the first half, but it was ultimately a 30-15 third quarter by United that saw them seize control of the game.
Embed from Getty ImagesUnited’s win came off the back built on immense defensive pressure, forcing the JackJumpers to just 18 three point attempts and then dominating the rebounds 45-29.
“I think they just got after us a little bit. We got a little uncharacteristic with our shot selection which was credit to them, and you know they beat us up again on the glass obviously,’JackJumpers coach Scott Roth said.
“18 offensive rebounds so they beat us up on the glass and you know its just little things when ÿou get those kind of games that make the separation points.”
United had key contributors all across the floor, Luke Travers (14 points, 12 rebounds) Jo Lual-Acual (17 points 10 rebounds) an Arial Hukporti (8 points, 9 rebounds) all were a handful around the rim for the JackJumpers.
Embed from Getty ImagesWith Milton Doyle (12 points) and Jordon Crawford (16 points) under heavy defensive pressure throughout the game, Jack Mcveigh led the JackJumpers with 20 points and 7 rebounds.
“Obviously disappointing but its good fun being our there and just battling with great guys next to you, Mcveigh said.
“They’re the games you love to play in, especially at home. The fans love it, they’re bringing energy and that’s what you train for, you live for those types fo battles.”
The JackJumpers had started the game strong, opening up a 17-4 lead as they were able to find Marcus Lee on the pick and role plays. But they missed key opportunities to push the lead out further, and defensive lapses let Melbourne back into the game where they tied the game up 22-22 at first break.
Despite United starting to open an advantage in rebounding at both ends, neither team was able to establish any control on the scoreboard with United holding a 43-42 edge at half-time.
But a blistering 19-6 run by United to open the second half, including 3’s by Chris Goulding and Ian Clarke was the game changer for the visitors, as the continued to get second shot opportunities through offensive rebounds. The lead remained in double figures for the majority of the second half, until the final two minutes, with many fans ready to head to the carpark, the JackJumpers make one last charge.
Majok Deng started the run with three pointer off an offensive rebound, then key stops at the other end saw Doyle hit a three, and Crawford and Deng again make consecutive baskets, and suddenly the United lead had dropped to 4 with 30 seconds to play.
United would been having flashback to their encounter in round 2, where the JackJumpers stole the win in the dying seconds. But this time the JackJumpers luck ran out with an off the ball foul to Anthony Drmic on the inbound, which followed up with a Crawford turnover and United were able to hang on.
Despite the late game comeback, Melbourne United was pleased with how his team played.
“There were some areas we really wanted to be good at tonight and that was defending the three..…and we just haven’t rebounded the ball well the last few games and so there was a big emphasis how we did that and I thought our second chance opportunities and getting 18 [offensive] boards”he said.
Meanwhile Scott Roth praised his teams fightback but also that this close loss is just part of how the seaosn will play out.
“I’m pleased we competed and fought as hard as we possibly could and its just this is a marathon this is not a sprint and there’ll be a lot more ups and downs and losing streaks and stuff’s going to happen and injuries and you’re just going to have to navigate it,” he said.
The JackJumpers (4-3) now travel to Brisbane on Saturday to take on the Bullets (3-4) at Nissan Arena at 4PM AEST Sunday 29 October.
