The Tasmania JackJumpers “grit and grind” defensive style of play was back in full swing last night, as they smothered the Adelaide 36ers offence and held off a late fightback by the home side to score a valuable 82-72 road win at the Adealide Entertainment Centre.
Already missing one of their leading Trey Key just prior to the game with a calf injury, Tasmania’s defensive effort made scoring difficult for Adeliade as the visitors were in control of the game throughout the opening three quarters. They had restricted the Sixers to 16 points or less in each of the opening quarters, to lead 63-47 heading into the final term. A quick three by Tasmanian guard Jordon Craward in the opening play of the final quarter had the visitors stretch the lead to a game high 19 points and a win looked all but a formality.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut the Sixers were not done yet, as their some what stagnant offence started to find some life as they sped up the pace of their play. The Sixers went on a 16-4 run, led by from DJ Vasljavic 10 points, brining the 9440 strong home crowd into the game. They had reducing the lead to just 7 points with five minutes to play.
Despite being rattled, the JackJumpers hit back with a big three from Anthony Drmic, whp playing against his former team for the first time in NBL24. Then followed that with another three from Milton Doyle, who appears to live for the clutch moments in the final quarter.
Adelaide still pressed with urgency at the offensive end, but the JackJumpers were able to make key stops, use the clock and find good shots to take the raod win by 10 points.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt was a team effort overall for Tasmania with Crawford top scoring with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals, Jack McVeigh 14 points, Milton Doyle with 13 points and 8 assists, and Marcus Lee having one of his best defensive games for the season around the rim for 12 points and 8 rebounds.
“It was just a kind of a classic JackJumper game, kind of a grinding game and on the road its very very difficult to win,” JackJumpers coach Scott Roth said after the game.
“we’re quite humbled to walk out of buildings with wins on the road and the league is very difficult and you just don’t know what’s around the corner. So i’m really proud of the guys, they stepped up they played well across the board,”
Defence steps up
Despite the late run by the Sixers, Tasmania would be satisfied with the overall defensive effort keeping the 36ers field goal at 39% and 72 points overall, their second lowest score of the season. Already missing Trey Kell, the JackJumpers took full advantage of the sixers lack of scoring punch as they swarmed the other key offensive players, reducing the starters to just 36 points collectively. Their pressure also forced 15 turnovers, including five in the opening quarter which unsettled the sixers offence from the opening tip.
The JackJumpers were at full strength for the first time in NBL24 with Will Magnay making his long awaited return from a foot injury sustained in the offseason. Despite playing limited minutes, he was more than capable to fill the defensive rim protector role, and support starting big man Marcus Lee.
“Its great to have another big body out there a physical guy who knows how to play and knows the league and you know can control the paint for us as he continues to get in shape, but great to have him,” Scott Roth said.
Next up
The JackJumpers (6-4) have a double ahead of the week long FIBA break. They open the round by hosting the struggling New Zealand Breakers (2-6) before heading north for a clash in Cairns (4-4) to complete Round 8.
