The Tasmania JackJumpers have gone down 87-79 to an impressive Adelaide 36ers outfit at the NBL Blitz on Monday night. The 36ers size and length particularly troubled JJ’s throughout the game, as they scored the majority of their points inside the paint.
After being on front for most of the match, Tasmania made a late run to tie the game midway through the final quarter on the back of some clutch three point shooting. But Adelaide held their nerve for a solid preseason win.
The 36ers were led by new recruits Antonius Cleveland (27 points) and Randell (17 points) had all the answers to the JackJumpers best defensive efforts. Tasmania had a team approach to offense , with four players in double figures, Jack McVeigh top scoring with 16.
First half
It was a fast start for the JackJumpers, who took a 15-6 lead following three point baskets by Josh Magette and Rashard Kelly. But that margin quickly disappeared thanks to an impressive display from Cleveland.
The 36ers new recruit was a one man show, as he knocked down shot after shot, with the JJ’s struggling for ways to stop him. He ended the quarter with 19 points, including hitting all four of his shots from outside. His efforts gave the 36ers a 27-22 lead after the first quarter
McVeigh responded quickly with the opening two baskets of second quarter to tie the game up. But once the hot shooting of Cleveland had cooled off both teams focused more on their offensive sets. It was the contrast of styles, with Tasmania running and highly organised offensive that looked for open shots from outside. While the 36ers were a little more loose, with the benefit of several players who could create themselves, or throwing it inside where they had a size advantage.
Both teams were able to execute their plans, as they traded baskets for the reaminder of the half, with Adelaide taking a 48-45 half time lead.
Embed from Getty ImagesSecond half.
Scott Roth would of been unhappy with giving up 48 points in the opening half, and would of wanted a better effort from his team in the second half. It didn’t get off to a great start with Rashard Kelly picking up his fourth in the opening minute of the forth quarter, forcing coach Scott Roth to go to his bench earlier than expected.
With one of their best defensive players stuck on the bench, the 36ers started attacking the rim. Randall in particular was starting to find his game, with the guard consistently finding ways to the rim.
Even when the shots weren’t dropping there was plenty of offensive rebounds on offer, with Sunday Dech giving Adelaide second opportunities on three straight sets. Something rarely seen from a JackJumpers team.
Tasmania were hanging on thanks to some great play from development player Sean Macdonald, who was looking the most attacking on offense for large stretches of the game. He hit several big shots to keep them within striking distance 64-71 after three quarters.
It didn’t take long for the JackJumpers to make their move, opening the final quarter ona 9-2 run to tie the game at 73 with a Rashard Kelly three. It prompted CJ Bruton to call timeout to stop the run and go back to what was working earlier. They once again went inside and went on their own 9-0 run to snuff out any more comebacks from the JackJumpers, winning the game comfortably 87-79.
Embed from Getty ImagesKey Stats
Adelaide won the points in the paint battle 48-26. But what stands out is the 36ers interior defensive effort in the second half, where they won this stat 26-4.
They only edged them out 40-39, but it is the second time at the Blitz that the JackJumpers bench has outscored the starters (38-35 in game one aganst Sydney). The imports will need to start taking on more of the offensive load in the coming games, particualry with Magnay, Steindl and McDaniel out.
Player Focus
Sean Macdonald once again played far beyond his develpment player stature at the Blitz tonight, finsihing with 13 points and five rebounds off the bench. He took on a heavy offesive role in the NBL1 with the NW Tasmania Thunder, and he seems to using that expereince and make the most of his opportunites in the shooting guard role.
Up Next
The JackJumpers third and final game of the Blitz is on Thursday, 22 September against the Cairns Taipans.
