Rd 19: Tasmania JackJumpers v Cairns Taipans

Rd 19 – Tasmania JackJumpers v Cairns Taipans 

7.30pm AEST – Friday 8th April 

MyState Bank Arena 

Watch LIVE on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel 

State of Play

Every game is crucial for the JackJumpers as the race for the 2021/22 Hungry Jack's NBL top 4 really heats up. Tasmania need everything to go their way in the play-offs equation and that starts with Friday's game against Cairns Taipans in front of a sold out home crowd. Centre Will Magnay has been ruled out for the season with knee soreness but the JackJumpers have proved they can do it without their marquee man. JackJumpers will be out to make amends after a heavy loss to the Kings at home last Sunday, but Cairns are slithering up the ladder as they finish their season strong and look to continue their three game winning streak. 

Last time they met  

Round 15: Tasmania 85 def Cairns 69 @ Cairns Convention Centre 

Trademark defence set the tone for the JackJumpers in Round 15 as they held the home side to just 50 points over the last three quartes of the game. 

Josh Adams top-scored for Tasmania with 20 points but he had plenty of help including Fabijan Krslovic enjoying his return to Far North Queensland with 13 points including going 3/4 from downtown.

Jack McVeigh also shot the three ball at 3/5 for 13 points with Josh Magette adding 10 points, five rebounds and three assists, and captain Clint Steindl 10 points.

Tasmania hit six of their last seven three-point attempts to close the first half to lead by 11 before stretching that lead out to 20 during the third period before cruising to the 16-point win.

Recent form

The JackJumpers were starting to find some rhythm prior to the Round 18 clash with the in form Kings, but a 20 point loss brought any mometum to a grinding halt. The Kings found the net early and never looked back, but despite the double figure loss, the JackJumpers showed grit. Cairns are on a season-best three game winning streak and have proven they can take big scalps as they finish the season strong. 

SRT Coaches’ take

Head Coach Scott Roth said “They are up and about"

“They have won three in a row and they are athletic and cause a lot of problems and have a lot of shooters and scorers and nothing is easy in this league.

“These last four games for us are going to be difficult and every one will be a tooth-andnail battle, I believe, but all that matters right now is Cairns for us.” 

Ins & outs 

Taipans: Stephen Zimmerman 

JackJumpers: Will Magnay will miss the remainder of NBL22 with knee soreness.

Opponents on the Radar 

Taipan Keanu Pinder had an outstanding last round with a new career high 21-points and 13 rebounds against the Phoenix and equalled his career high two nights later with 21-points and 10 rebounds vs the Breakers.

Stats & Facts you need to know 

Cairns win over the Breakers in Hobart was their first victory outside of Queensland since they also beat the Breakers in Launceston in April last year. The Taipans have not yet lost in Tasmania in franchise history (just 2 games played). They have stayed in Tasmania this week ahead of their first ever away game against the JackJumpers.