Round 15 – Tasmania JackJumpers vs SEM

Round 15 – Tasmania JackJumpers vs SEM

Sunday 5 January, 4.30pm AEDT tip-off

MyState Bank Arena             

LIVE ON ESPN | 10 BOLD & 10 PLAY

State of Play

The JackJumpers head into Sunday’s clash at MyState Bank Arena sitting third on the ladder with an 11-8 record. Tasmania’s defense and execution have been key to their consistency this season, setting the stage for another intense battle.

The Phoenix, coming off a tough loss to the Sydney Kings, rely on their fast-paced offense, Nathan Sobey (20.05ppg), Matt Hurt (15.74ppg), and Derrick Walton Jr. leading the charge. For Tasmania, the guards will need to contain these scoring threats and slow the tempo, using their defensive discipline to disrupt the Phoenix’s rhythm and prevent them from getting into a flow.

This matchup highlights the JackJumpers’ depth and team-first mentality, as they continue to rely on a balanced roster that can step up at any moment. With the Phoenix pushing the pace, Tasmania will lean on their versatility, defensive tenacity, and ability to control key moments of the game. With home-court advantage and their momentum on the rise, Tasmania will look to extend their strong form and build on their success in front of an eager crowd.

Last Time They Met

Round 7 - Friday 1 November – Silverdome

The Tasmania JackJumpers started strong in their Friday night showdown at the Silverdome, pushing out to a seven-point halftime lead over the South East Melbourne Phoenix. Despite their early advantage, the JackJumpers couldn’t hold off a Phoenix surge in the second half, falling 79-77 in a tight finish.

Early on, the JackJumpers made it tough for the Phoenix, forcing nine turnovers in the first quarter alone, which led to a 17-2 run. The JackJumpers built a 42-35 lead at the break. Even with star center Will Magnay picking up two quick fouls and sitting out most of the first half, Tasmania’s defense held firm, capitalizing on Phoenix's mistakes and maintaining their lead.

Magnay came out strong in the second half, contributing 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists, underscoring his consistency throughout the season. "Magnay’s probably been our most consistent player, and we used him more to help us score," Head Coach Scott Roth reflected, impressed by the center's impact on both ends of the floor.

However, the Phoenix found their rhythm in the fourth quarter. Matt Hurt’s 24 points on 9/14 shooting became the centerpiece of their comeback. Phoenix’s Nathan Sobey sealed the game with a driving layup in the final minute, finishing with a near triple-double of 14 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds.

Ultimately, Tasmania shot just 36% from the field, struggling particularly from deep with 6/27 three-point attempts. Crawford and Milton Doyle had a rough shooting night, combining for just 4/28 from the field and 1/14 from three. "When we have a shooting night like that, it’s extremely hard to overcome," Roth admitted. "But the team kept it close, and that’s a positive."

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2024/25

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 77 (Magnay 19, Steindl 13, Deng 8, Te Rangi 8, Krslovic 8)

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 79 (Hurt 24, Sobey 14, Wieskamp 12)

• Tasmania JackJumpers: Will Magnay (fractured toe)
• SEM: No injuries listed.