JackJumpers defence looking to hold back the Hawks on the road

The defensive minded JackJumpers head to Wollongong this weekend in what will provide a good measure for where they stand in NBL25.

The JackJumpers have been short-handed at the offensive end this season, still looking to fillleft by last seasons leading scorer and an injured Sean Macdonald. But will their grinding defensive style of game be enough to shut down the Illawarra Hawkes offence.

Tasmania currently average an NBL-low 80.5 points per game, a good 5.5 points below Perth, New Zealand and SE Melbourne in second last with 86 points per game. But in doing so they are managing to keep teams at their level, restricting thier opponents to the 82.3 points per game, the least points allowed in the NBL.

While it may seem they are putting all thier stock in at the defensive end, Milton Doyle told SEN Tasmania that he thinks the offensive is improving.

“It’s a bit different to last year. Last year we were so good offensively, we were trying to find ways to win games defensively. But this year it’s the total opposite, where we’re amazing defensively and we’re now were trying to get the offence to click”, Doyle said.

“I think its easier to find ways to score, I think we have guys who can do it, its just building up the confidence and keeping guys ready.

That will be put to test on Saturday night as they face the Illawarra Hawks, who have started the season 3-1 are on fire at the offensive end. Leading the league in points per game at 102.3 point per contest.

“They’re looking good right now, they’re one of the best offensive teams in the league right now and have a few guys that can flat our score,” Doyle said.

“They’re one of the best offensive teams, we’re one of the best defensive teams, so it will be a battle. We just need to work out how to score at the other end.”

Battle in the paint

The JackJumpers traditionally been a strong best rebounding teams, but gave up 20 offensive rebounds to the Perth Wildcats last week. They will not want to give the Hawks any opportunities for second chance points, but will have thier work cut out against the towering trio of Lauchie Olbrich, Darius Days and Sam Froling.

Game info

Illawarra Hawks v Tasmania JackJumpers
WIN Entertainment Centre
5.30pm AEDT, Saturday 12 October 2024