Match Report v Cairns Taipans (Round 3) NBL 24/25

The Tasmania JackJumpers put up a determined fight but ultimately fell short against the Cairns Taipans in a tightly contested 90-78 loss. Despite a rough start and a large deficit, the JackJumpers showed their trademark resilience, mounting a late-game surge to cut the Taipans' lead to just four points in the closing minutes.

The JackJumpers were led by Milton Doyle, who had an impressive all-around performance, finishing with 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. Doyle’s shooting, including three triples, was crucial in keeping the JackJumpers within striking distance, especially during the team's 19-5 run in the third quarter. Will Magnay also contributed significantly with 14 points, 2 rebounds, and strong defensive work, while Majok Deng added 13 points and 9 rebounds, providing Tasmania with much-needed presence in the paint.

The JackJumpers faced a tough challenge early, as Cairns came out firing, building a 24-point lead by halftime. The Taipans capitalized on hot shooting from the field, connecting on 58.3% of their attempts and hitting timely threes that stretched the JackJumpers' defense. Cairns’ Taran Armstrong was particularly effective, scoring 20 points and making key plays down the stretch.

The JackJumpers found their rhythm in the second half, pushing the pace and forcing the Taipans into turnovers. Their defensive intensity picked up, leading to easy transition points, and they outscored Cairns 22-19 in the third quarter. Anthony Drmic and Jordon Crawford were pivotal in applying backcourt pressure, with Crawford dishing out 4 assists and Drmic adding 12 points. The team's perimeter defense also improved, limiting Cairns' clean looks from beyond the arc after halftime.

However, the JackJumpers struggled to close the gap entirely, with shooting efficiency proving to be the deciding factor. The JackJumpers shot just 38.7% from the field and attempted only eight free throws, compared to Cairns' 18. Despite creating open looks, they couldn’t convert at a high enough rate to complete the comeback.

Head Coach Scott Roth praised his team's resilience but acknowledged the Taipans' relentless effort. "They just played harder and longer than we did, putting us on the back foot early," Roth said. "I love the fight of our guys to get back within four points late in the game, but we have to build on that. It's tough to win on the road in the NBL, and there are areas we need to improve."

Though the result wasn't in their favour, the JackJumpers displayed their hallmark grit and teamwork. Their ability to claw back from large deficits and apply pressure on both ends of the floor will serve them well ahead. Roth emphasized the need for recovery before returning home for Sunday’s matchup against Perth. "We'll rest up, recover, and look forward to bouncing back in front of our home crowd."

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2024/25

CAIRNS TAIPANS 90 (Armstrong 20, Edwards 16, Galloway 14)

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 78 (Doyle 19, Magnay 14, Deng 13)

BOX SCORE