Round 18 - SEM vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Round 18 – SEM vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Saturday 25 January, 5.30pm AEDT tip-off

State Basketball Centre

LIVE ON ESPN

State of Play  

The Tasmania JackJumpers travels to Melbourne this Saturday to face South East Melbourne Phoenix at the State Basketball Centre, with both teams battling for crucial playoff positioning. Sitting sixth on the ladder with a 12-13 record, Tasmania is chasing the fifth-placed Phoenix (14-11) and aiming to bounce back after their recent loss to the Sydney Kings.

Phoenix will be without one of their key players, Derrick Walton Jr., which opens the door for Tasmania to capitalize on his absence. However, the JackJumpers will need to be wary of Phoenix’s remaining firepower, particularly Matt Hurt (20.2 ppg) and Nathan Sobey (17.6 ppg).

Tasmania will also look to their own contributors, including Fabijan Krslovic, who showed his range in their last matchup against the Kings by knocking down a few crucial threes. Containing Phoenix’s offensive threats and bringing defensive intensity will be vital for the JackJumpers as they fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.

With the season winding down, this matchup offers a pivotal chance for the JackJumpers to stay in the finals race.

Last time they met

Round 15 – Tasmania JackJumpers vs SEM

Sunday 5 January, 4.30pm 

MyState Bank Arena             

The South East Melbourne Phoenix claimed a 105-91 victory over the Tasmania JackJumpers at MyState Bank Arena, ending Tasmania's eight-game winning streak and handing them their first home loss of the season.

The Phoenix’s frontcourt duo of Jordan Hunter and Matt Hurt set the tone, combining for 37 points and 14 rebounds. South East Melbourne’s efficiency inside (58 points in the paint) and their ability to capitalize on turnovers (24 points off 16 JackJumpers mistakes) proved pivotal in the contest.

Tasmania fought hard, led by Jordon Crawford’s 16 points and five assists. Crawford sparked a second-quarter surge that brought the JackJumpers within one and briefly gave them the lead. Reuben Te Rangi and Majok Deng each added 14 points, while Fabijan Krslovic contributed 10 points, including a pair of key early triples.

Despite the JackJumpers’ efforts, the Phoenix maintained their composure, pushing the lead to double digits heading into the final quarter. Contributions from Derrick Walton Jr (16 points, six assists) and Joe Wieskamp (15 points, six rebounds) helped South East Melbourne close out the game with consistent execution.

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2024/25

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 91 (Crawford 16, Deng 14, Te Rangi 14)

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 105 (Hurt 20, Hunter 17, Walton Jr 16)

BOX SCORE

Injuries

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

Pheonix: Derrick Walton Jr (hamstring)