Round 17 - NZ Breakers vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Round 17 – New Zealand vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Thursday 16 January, 5.30pm AEDT tip-off

Spark Arena

LIVE ON ESPN

State of Play

The JackJumpers head to Spark Arena on Thursday night to face the New Zealand Breakers, eager to bounce back. Can Tasmania rally on the road and keep their strong record against the Breakers intact?

Despite a gruelling stretch of four games in eight days, the JackJumpers have won all three previous matchups against the Breakers and will aim to extend that streak. Tasmania will need to bring their best after a tough loss to Perth and prove they can bounce back under pressure.

The Breakers, led by Parker Jackson-Cartwright (19.9 ppg) and the towering Tacko Fall (1.8 blks), pose a significant challenge with their fast-paced offense and ability to create second-chance points. Their close defeat to Melbourne United showed they can hang tough against top competition, making them a dangerous opponent.

To secure a win, the JackJumpers must focus on disrupting New Zealand’s perimeter shooting while containing their dominance on the boards. Defensive intensity and smart offensive execution will be key as Tasmania looks to stay in the playoff hunt.

Will the JackJumpers continue their dominance against the Breakers and reignite their momentum?

Last Time They Met

Round 13 - 25 December, MyState Bank Arena

The Tasmania JackJumpers celebrated a dominant 97-82 Christmas Day victory over the New Zealand Breakers at MyState Bank Arena, marking their seventh consecutive win and cementing their place in the NBL’s top four.

Jordon Crawford was the standout performer, coming off the bench to deliver 26 points, including six three-pointers, along with four assists. Majok Deng also shone with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Reuben Te Rangi and Milton Doyle contributed 12 and eight points, respectively, with Doyle adding five assists.

The JackJumpers showcased their remarkable season turnaround, improving from a 3-8 start to a 10-8 record, reinforcing their championship aspirations. A strong defensive effort played a key role in the win, holding the Breakers to just 4-of-23 shooting from beyond the arc and capitalizing on their struggles at the free-throw line (16-of-28). In contrast, Tasmania excelled from deep, shooting 12-of-27, led by Crawford’s sharpshooting.

Although the scoreline suggested a comfortable win, the game was closely contested through the first three quarters. New Zealand’s Tacko Fall was a formidable presence in the first half, tallying 11 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, helping the Breakers stay within three points at halftime (42-39).

Tasmania gained control in the third quarter, finishing on an 8-2 run to enter the final term with a six-point lead. The JackJumpers then pulled away decisively, with timely scoring from Crawford and a key three-point play by Doyle sealing the 15-point triumph.

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2024/25

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 97 (Crawford 26, Deng 20, Te Rangi 12)

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS 82 (Jackson-Cartwright 23, King 12, Mennenga 11, Fall 11)

BOX SCORE

Injuries

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

New Zealand Breakers: Dane Pineau (knee), Majove King (calf) as listed here