New years pain for Tasmania, over run by Breakers

A late surge by the New Zealand Breakers has seen them snatch a late 98-93 New Years day victory over the Tasmania JackJumpers at MyState Bank Arena in Hobart.

The JackJumpers held a 5 point lead with just over two minute remaining, but saw the lead slip away as they shot missed 9 of their last 11 field goals, and the Breakers closed the game out on a 14-4 scoring run.

“They made the plays they needed down the stretch and we didn’t, its kind of been our recipe all season.” JackJumpers Head Coach Scott Roth said.

“We’ve had 7 or 8 of these types of games and we have not been able to really capitalise on really any of them.”

Tasmania were looking to make amends for their home fans following a disappointing loss to the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Christmas day. The signs were looking positive early in the game, as they jumped out to a 20-8 lead in the opening quarter, with key three point baskets to Anthony Drmic (12 points) and Sean Macdonald, who top scored to Tasmania with 23 points.

Macdonald was playing a lone hand at times at the offensive end for JackJumpers guards, as Jordon Crawford (6 points, 2/13 shooting) and Milton Doyle (12 points, 5/16 shooting) both struggled at the offensive end to find any consistency.

The same couldn’t be said for Breakers point guard Parker Jackson-Cartright (27 points), who helped the his side get back into the game late in the second half to tie the game at 45-45 at the main break.

The Breakers pushed out to a lead in the third quarter, as their passing game saw Anthony Lamb (18 points) Mantas Rubštavičius (16 points) and Mangok Mathiang (16 points) all contributing at teh offensive end to take a 6 point lead into the last quarter.

Mathiang’s battle inside with Marcus Lee throughout the game proved a highight, with the two of them benefiting from extra game time. Lee played bigger minutes following a leg injury to Will Magnay and Mathiang once again getting extended time on the floor as Zion Cheatham played a smaller role coming back from injury.

Lee arguably had one of his better games in a JackJumpers uniform, with 14, points and 13 rebounds, including 6 at the offensive end.

But despite some big baskets by Macdonald, who finished with 7/9 from deep. It was the Breakers who pulled away in the final moments thanks to their ability to get inside. They got their 34 times to the JackJumpers 9, and made perfect 6 from 6 in the final 2 minutes as Tasmania saw their 5 point lead evaporate to a 5 point loss.

“You know its very difficult to give up 98 points in your own building and think you are going to win and then you walk them to the foul line 34 times and we only shoot nine. So that recipe is doom for us and has been since i’ve been here.” Scott Roth said post game.

First win in Hobart for Breakers

Despite playing a number of home games in Hobart during COVID, it was the first time the Breakers had beaten Tasmania in Hobart, losing in all previous 6 attempts.

“This is a tough place to play and this is a very tough team to beat” Breakers coach Mody Moar said after the game.

“ïf you want to rate the gyms where you don’t want to go down and give the opponent momentum this is probably number one out of those, so being able to respond in that situation is great

Tasmania slumps, Breakers Rising

The result of the game best describes the positions of both sides in the back end of the NBL24 season. The loss caps a disappointing couple of weeks for Tasmania, who have now lost 4 of their last 5 games, and have slipped to in the standings to forth place with a 10-9 record.

Meanwhile after a rough start to the season and having key players on the sidelines, the Breakers are close to full strength and have now won 4 games in a row and are primed for a late finalis surge.

Up Next

Tasmania will remain at home for an important game against the Cairns Taipans on Suaturday 6 January, who are coming off a big win over Melbourne United. For Tasmania, they will be desperate to find some form at home, as they are now staring down the barrell of 4 straight losses at home