Round 8 - Game Preview Perth Wildcats vs Tasmania JackJumpers (NBL 25)

Round 8 – Perth Wildcats

Thursday 7 November 2024, 9.30 pm AEDT tip-off

RAC Arena

LIVE ON ESPN VIA KAYO

State of Play

It’s game night at RAC Arena as the JackJumpers face off against the Wildcats. Known for their defensive hustle, Tasmania will focus on turning that grit into offensive impact on the road.

Will Magnay remains a defensive anchor, ranking among the league leaders with 1.6 blocks per game. Meanwhile, the dynamic guard duo of Milton Doyle and Jordon Crawford will aim to spark the scoring up front.

All eyes will be on Perth’s Ben Henshall, who stepped up in Bryce Cotton’s absence with a standout 21 first-half points against Illawarra, finishing with 26 points and 6 assists. If the JackJumpers can execute at both ends, they’ll be well-positioned to take down the Wildcats.

Last Time They Met

Sunday 6 October 2024 – MyState Bank Arena

The Tasmania JackJumpers clinched an intense 84-79 overtime win against the Perth Wildcats at MyState Bank Arena, leveling their season record at 2-2. Milton Doyle forced overtime with a clutch three-pointer at the buzzer, and Majok Deng’s decisive triple with 25 seconds left sealed the victory in front of an electrified home crowd. Doyle led Tasmania with 20 points, while Deng and Jordon Crawford contributed 16 each.

After a sluggish start, trailing 23-9 by the end of the first quarter, the JackJumpers adjusted their lineup, focusing on defense and gradually closing the gap. Bryce Cotton led Perth with a game-high 24 points, while Kristian Doolittle recorded a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double. Head Coach Scott Roth praised Tasmania's resilience and defensive consistency, crediting Doyle’s pivotal shooting and Deng’s energy for pushing them to a hard-fought win.

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2024/25

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 84 (Doyle 20, Crawford 16, Deng 16)

PERTH WILDCATS 79 (Cotton 24, Doolittle 14, Withers 11)

SRT Logistics Coaches’ Take

" We’re excited to face Perth in an incredible atmosphere on Thursday night. After a week on the road, we’re looking to finish strong with a win against a tough Perth team eager to bounce back from their weekend loss to SEM. They’re an energetic team, and we’ve had many close battles with them — including our recent overtime win at MyState Bank Arena." Assistant Coach Jarrad Weeks.

Ins & Outs

• Tasmania JackJumpers: Sean Macdonald remains out (ankle) & Will Magnay (shoulder)
• Perth Wildcats: Bryce Cotton (Rib) and back in - Dylan Windler from a shin injury.