Match Facts
South East Melbourne Phoenix 83 (Broekhoff 18 points, Creek 15 points , Adnam 13 points)
defeated
Tasmania JackJumpers 71 (Adams 23 points, Magette 10 points)
Boxscore
Summary
The JackJumpers ambition of holding a spot in the top four were dashed by the South East Melbourne Phoenix with a 83-71 loss in Melbourne.
Despite Tasmania leading at halftime, the Phoenix showed why they are a title favorite as they outscored the JackJumpers 45-31 in the second half and runaway with the win.
Tasmania were going to struggle to fill the absence of starting centre Will Magnay, who is out for four weeks with a knee injury. Development player Jock Perry surprisingly got the nod to start at centre, despite having not played since 19 December.
All 216cm of Perry was needed to help stop Zhou Qi, who has been a huge presence down low for the Phoenix. Despite having some unproductive games of late, Qi was going to be focal point against an undersized JackJumpers outfit.
The opening quarter was a low scoring, scrappy affair, with both teams unable to penetrate the defensive pressure. The game suited the JackJumpers style, with the Phoenix frustrated being unable to play free flowing fast paced basketball.
Things opened up after the first quarter, especially for Josh Adams who led the team on his way to 11 point for the quarter. The JackJumpers continued their strong outside shooting from the last four games, hitting eight of 16 pointers for the half.
But despite their hot shooting, the Phoenix were sticking with Tasmania as they focused on using their size advantage inside. Their dominance on the inside showed with 15 of their their 20 field goal attempts in the second quarter coming from inside the key. The JackJumpers held onto a narrow two point lead at the halftime.
Magette from way downtown
— Tasmania JackJumpers 🐜 (@JackJumpers) February 13, 2022
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The two sides played in Hobart two weeks ago, with a dominant 3rd quarter performance by the Phoenix getting them the win. This once again played out for the two teams as the Phoenix opened the second half a 15-8 run to seize control of the game. Tasmania’s stifling defense was fatiguing and was being worn down by Mitch Creek, Jo Qi and Ryan Broekhoff who were all attacking the glass.
After a scoreless first half Jack McVeigh opened his scoring with a dunk in traffic. He went on on score seven points for the term, but Phoenix outscored them 21-12 for the quarter.
Mcveigh gets up for the 2 hand slam 🐰
— Tasmania JackJumpers 🐜 (@JackJumpers) February 13, 2022
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The final quarter was an arm-wrestle for both teams. The JackJumpers picked up their defensive and got stops but were unable to convert on the offensive end consistently enough to cut down the lead.
They had got the lead down to four with five minutes remaining, but the steady head of Broekhoff and Creek ensured that was as close as they got. The Phoenix winning the game by 12 points.
Post game coach Scott Roth talked reflected on the loss.
“The third quarter hurt us a little bit with some makeable shots around the rim and some shots that didn’t go in but that’s life on the road. I thought our defense was relatively good for the most part, it at least gave us a chance to be in the game when we weren’t shooting that well.
He also discussed the loss of Will Magnay and being outscored in the paint.
“This team is not Will Magnay, this team is 15 JackJumpers working, doing the same thing over and over to get better at it. We missed one body, we’ll have multiple times during the year we’ll miss bodies, they’ve [SE Melbourne] missed bodies, and we move on. Mags [Magnay] is obviously a big part of what we do but its a little bit disrespectful that my other guys didn’t play as hard as they possibly could to get the job done.” Scott Roth said.
Embed from Getty ImagesKey Takeaways from the game
A tale of two halfs with outside shooting
The jackjumpers shot the ball from outside at 7/14 in teh first half. But only hit 1/11 in the second half.
Scoring inside the paint
It was no huge surprise with the size advantage. But the Phoenix outscored 44-26 inside the paint for the match.
More scoring needed across the team
Adams and Magette were the only JackJumpers in double figures. Some more offensive output from McVeigh, McIntosh and Steindl will be needed in Magnay’s absenc.
