The Tasmania JackJumpers Secure Sixth Straight Win in Tight Contest

The Tasmania JackJumpers continued their winning streak with a determined 97-91 victory over Melbourne United at John Cain Arena, marking their sixth consecutive win this season.

The JackJumpers showed their trademark resilience, building an early lead with a 36-point first quarter, including three quick triples from captain Clint Steindl. Despite a rolled ankle limiting his play later in the game, the team’s next-man-up mentality came to the fore, with Jordon Crawford stepping up to score 12 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter. Contributions across the board, including Reuben Te Rangi’s season-best 15 points and solid performances from Milton Doyle and Majok Deng, underpinned the team’s success.

Head Coach Scott Roth highlighted the importance of flexibility and team cohesion, noting how the addition of Sean Macdonald as a secondary ball handler has opened up options for the team: “It’s freeing up some options that we didn’t have early on, allowing players like Jordon and Milton to get off the ball at times and focus on scoring.”

Melbourne United fought hard, buoyed by the return of Chris Goulding (18 points) and Marcus Lee (14 points, seven rebounds). Their dominance on the glass, including 22 offensive rebounds, created second-chance opportunities, but their struggles from deep (10/32) and at the free-throw line (11/20) proved costly. Roth acknowledged the challenge United posed, adding, “We knew rebounding and transition defense were going to be factors. While we didn’t solve the rebounding, we stayed with our process and managed to get the job done.”

The JackJumpers maintained their composure and defensive discipline in the closing minutes, ensuring another hard-fought victory. They now prepare for a festive showdown on Christmas Day at home against the New Zealand Breakers.

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2024/25

MELBOURNE UNITED 91 (Goulding 18, Dellavedova 16, Lee 14)

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 97 (Crawford 16, Te Rangi 15, Steindl 12)

BOX SCORE