Round 16 - Tasmania JackJumpers vs Perth Wildcats

Round 16 – Tasmania JackJumpers vs Perth Wildcats

Sunday 12 January, 2.30pm AEDT tip-off

MyState Bank Arena

LIVE ON ESPN I 10 & 10 Play

State of Play

The JackJumpers return to MyState Bank Arena on Sunday for their fourth game in eight days, riding high after a strong home win on Friday. Can Tasmania carry that momentum and deliver another statement victory against one of the league’s toughest teams?

Perth, now sitting 3rd on the ladder with a 12-9 record, thrives on a fast-paced, team-oriented style. Bryce Cotton, the league’s leading scorer (27.25 ppg), is their focal point, while Keanu Pinder and Dylan Windler add significant offensive firepower. The Wildcats excel at dominating offensive rebounds and converting second-chance points from the perimeter, making them a formidable challenge.

To keep rolling, Tasmania must disrupt Perth’s rhythm, limit Cotton’s opportunities, and remain strong on the boards. With an 8-6 advantage in the all-time series and the home crowd behind them, the JackJumpers are poised to make it two wins in a row at MyState Bank Arena.

Last Time They Met

The Tasmania JackJumpers showcased a spirited and high-energy performance during their clash with the Perth Wildcats at RAC Arena, ultimately falling short in a narrow 88-82 defeat. Milton Doyle spearheaded the JackJumpers' offensive effort with an impressive 30 points, including six three-pointers, setting a brisk tempo from the outset.

Tasmania started strong, racking up 51 points by halftime, significantly exceeding their season average. Doyle and Jordon Crawford were in excellent shooting form, combining for 8 of 13 from beyond the arc in the first half. Crawford added 14 points and four assists, while Anthony Drmic contributed 11 points and four rebounds to the team’s effort.

Both teams displayed efficient shooting throughout the game. The JackJumpers hit 13 of 22 three-point attempts in the first half, with Perth responding strongly, shooting 8 of 17 from deep. The Wildcats’ Elijah Pepper (14 points) energized the second half, while Todd Withers, with a perfect 4 of 4 from three-point range, and Keanu Pinder delivered crucial baskets in the closing minutes.

The JackJumpers rallied from a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter, with Doyle’s back-to-back buckets briefly giving them a late lead. However, the Wildcats executed a decisive seven-point stretch in the final moments to clinch the victory.

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2024/25

PERTH WILDCATS 88 (Doolittle 18, Pepper 14, Webster 14)

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 82 (Doyle 30, Crawford 14, Drmic 11)

BOX SCORE

Injuries

Tasmania JackJumpers:  Will Magnay (fractured toe), Sean Macdonald (foot injury)

Perth Wildcats: Kristian Doolittle (Groin), Tai Webster (Hamstring)