JackJumpers Show Resilience in Close Contest with Breakers

The Tasmania JackJumpers put up a valiant fight but were edged out by the New Zealand Breakers 85-75 at Spark Arena on Thursday night. Despite missing key players and enduring a tough start, the JackJumpers demonstrated grit and resilience, highlighted by a standout second-quarter performance.

Tasmania surged back from an eight-point deficit in the first quarter to post a stunning 37-point second term, their highest-scoring second quarter of the season. Jordon Crawford led the charge with 26 points and four assists, including 17 points during that critical stretch. Head Coach Scott Roth praised the team’s effort, stating, “We scraped back and gave ourselves a chance. Our fight was really, really good, but we just couldn’t quite close it out in their building.”

Fabijan Krslovic was instrumental with 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Milton Doyle added 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Clint Steindl’s three-point shooting helped maintain momentum, and Anthony Drmic chipped in with nine points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

The Breakers were led by Sam Mennenga’s career-best performance of 29 points and nine rebounds on an efficient 13-of-15 shooting. Matt Mooney recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 assists, while Tacko Fall added 11 points and seven rebounds, providing a formidable inside presence.

Roth acknowledged the challenges of matching up against such talent, saying, “Sam Mennenga had a hell of a night, and Tacko Fall presents unique challenges. But that’s the beauty of this league—it’s a constant test, and we love competing.”

Though the JackJumpers led 62-61 heading into the fourth quarter, a quick 11-2 Breakers run in the final period shifted the momentum. Tasmania fought to stay within striking distance but ultimately couldn’t close the gap.

With the JackJumpers now 12-12 for the season, Roth emphasized the importance of regrouping ahead of their next game against the Sydney Kings on Sunday. “We’ll dust ourselves off, take a couple of days to recover, and get back to work. This group is tight, and our values will guide us forward.”

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2024/25

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS 85 (Mennenga 29, Lopez 17, Mooney 11, Fall 11)

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 75 (Crawford 26, Krslovic 14, Doyle 10)

BOX SCORE