A big final quarter from Milton Doyle helped bring Tasmania back from 13 points down to a remarkable 80-75 victory over Melbourne United at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon.
Admitting that he “couldn’t make a basket” earlier in the game, Doyle wasn’t phased as he scored 14 of his game-high 25 points in the final quarter, including 4 from outside the three point line.
“shooters keep shooting, some fell in at the end,” Doyle said with a smile at the post game press conference.
Embed from Getty ImagesPrior to Doyles final quarter heroics, it had been a tough night on the offensive end for Tasmania, who were staring down a 62-53 deficit at the end of the third quarter. The first half had Melbourne United seemingly in control of the game, as they often were able to find open rollers and cutter going to the rim. However Tasmania found ways to stick around, as they worked a lot harder on offence, but managed to stay in tough with the home team.
A lot of that was thanks to Jordon Crawford, who not only scored the teams 8 points (15 for the game), but his speed and driving the ball to the hoop was a constant threat on offence, and getting his team mates options
“its the most open shots i’ve got in awhile, so him just breaking down his defenders and getting in the paint and creating all this extra help makes my job easier,” Doyle said.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite Crawford’s best efforts, it was seemingly only a matter of time until United local star trio of Matthew Dellavadova, Chris Goulding and Luke Travers broke the shackles and took control of the game. But Tasmania’s team defence held together in the first half, keeping touch 35-36 at the half.
But it was United’s new import Ian Clarke, recently un-retired kiwi Rob Loe and Shea Illi who led the way in the third quarter. The trio made a number of key baskets in and around the key that threatened to push the lead out to double figures. But late scoring from Majok Deng and Junior Madut kept Tasmania in the game, and trailing by 8 heading into the final quarter.
Falling behind by as many as 13 midway through the last quarter and United appearing to cruise to victory, enter Milton Doyle. As he has done many times before, Doyle dug Tasmania out of a hole and saving his best efforts for the final quarter. He scored 12 of the teams final points, including the go ahead basket with 19 seconds to play,
The JackJumpers held their nerve on the defensive end, and some key free throws by a smiling Jack McVeigh sealed the victory. Thier forth straight over United on their home floor.
After the game JackJumpers coach Scott Roth explained what it was like having Milton Doyle on the floor in the closing stages.
“To put the ball in his hand is sort of a coaches dream for me, I can just get out of the way and let him do his thing,” head coach Scott Roth said.
“ĂŹ think the big thing with Milt is, and i’ve said obviously he’s a wonderful player and an incredible human being and how he interacts with our guys. But you know we have some good pieces around him that give him confidence to do what he does”.
Next up
The JackJumpers (2-1) return home before opening Round 3 agaisnt the Illawarra Hawks (1-1) at My State Bank Arena on Thursday 12 October.
