Rd21: Tasmania JackJumpers v Melbourne United

Rd 21 –Tasmania JackJumpers v Melbourne United

5.30pm AEST – Saturday 23^rd April 

MyState Bank Arena (SOLD OUT)

Watch LIVE on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel

State of Play

There has never been a more crucial game for the JackJumpers in their inaugural season. The expansion club has done everything possible to stay in contention for what would be an historic play offs berth and now must not only win this game against ladder leaders United but also rely on NBL powerhouse Perth Wildcats’ losing out in their last two games.

But as the cliché goes, you can only control what you can control and that is winning against a in form Melbourne side, out to assert their dominance ahead of their title defence in the finals.

In a nutshell: Everything is on the line for the JackJumpers. 

Last time they met  

Round 10: Melbourne 85 def by Tasmania 94 @ John Cain Arena

The fourth game in a four game winning streak, the JackJumpers were hot from the tip-off producing the League’s best 1^st quarter performance with 36 points. McIntosh found form with 13 first half points, to lead by 12 at the main break.

As all good teams do, United fought back with Captain Chris Goulding leading the charge. Melbourne hit the front in what looked like a resurgence of Tasmania’s second half fades that had plagued them early in the season.

But the JackJumpers showed their now trademark resilience and grit, and proved that they had grown past the teething issues of their infancy.

Jack McVeigh and Josh Magette found range from the arc. McVeigh posting 17 point, three reboudns and two steals, while McIntosh had a season-best game with 16 points.

Recent form

The JackJumpers had to ‘win out’ from Round 17 to have even a sniff of a finals berth and so far they have fulfilled that goal, with the exception of a heavy loss to Sydney Kings. But Perth’s misfortunes have helped keep the dream alive. The JackJumpers are on a three game winning streak having beat Cairns at home and then New Zealand and South East Melbourne. The latter an incredible game which ended with a huge block from Josh Adams on Mitch Creek.

Melbourne United are in hot form, having not dropped a game since round 18 which came at the hand of Illawarra. Wins over Perth, Phoenix, Brisbane and twice over Cairns will have confidence sky high for the visitors ahead of another finals campaign.

SRT Coaches’ take

Head Coach Scott Roth said “regardless of what happens elsewhere, we’re coming in to play the defending champions in front of a sold out building for our last regular season game, and we’re here to finish what we started. If the basketball gods are on our side who knows what can happen. I’m always excited to play United, they’re so well coached and they got players over there. I’m expecting ”.

Ins & outs 

Melbourne: TBC

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

Opponents on the Radar 

Captain and NBL veteran Chris Goulding is always going to be a threat. As proven may times before, he has the ability to single-handedly turn a game and is fresh off a 27 point game in the Round 20 win over Cairns.

Jo Lual-Acuil is a big body and a big threat, the 6’11” Centre has had a breakout season to be recently announced as one of the three finalists for the Andrew Gaze NBL MVP Award and the League’s most Improved Award.