THE 2023/24 National Basketball League (NBL) Championship Series is tied at one game apiece, after the Tasmania JackJumpers overcame a big deficit to defeat Melbourne United at John Cain Arena on Friday night.

In front of a fired up crowd, the JackJumpers rallied from 15 points down to claim a narrow five-point win in an improved defensive effort after a disappointing game one showing.

Now the series moves to game three tomorrow at John Cain Arena, where both sides will be looking to take the lead in a crucial clash.

Tasmania JackJumpers (82) def. Melbourne United (77)

The JackJumpers got their Easter present early, with Jordan Crawford finally hitting some shots after a slump throughout the postseason. The explosive guard poured in 10 points in the first quarter alone, proving a serious threat from behind the arc as Tassie took the lead in the opening minutes. However, United’s class shone through late in the term and proceedings were tied at 23 points apiece at the first break.

It was shades of game one in the second quarter, as the JackJumpers found themselves unable to keep their offensive momentum going. Once again, Melbourne was able to find the answer down the other end, with the team’s big names hitting some tough shots, while Tasmania struggled to find open looks. As a result, the visitors took a handy four-point lead into the main change.

Things went from bad to worse for Tasmania, with United storming out of the gates after half-time on an 8-0 run, before extending the lead even further to 15 points. United had all the momentum and a bit of swagger to match as the JackJumpers found themselves on the same path as game one. However, the difference was Tassie’s ability to adjust to Melbourne’s defensive sets, and keep pushing through for crucial baskets. The momentum swapped hands late in the period, and the JackJumpers erased the margin to just three points at three quarter time.

Tasmania fired when it mattered most, breaking away to start the fourth quarter in style and put United on the back foot. With the crowd starting to play a part, the JackJumpers found consistent avenues to scoring and got some very important defensive stops down the stretch. As expected, Melbourne put up a strong fight late in the match, and tied up the score late in the contest, but some crucial free throws saw Tasmania seal the result and keep the series alive.

Although he was quiet after quarter time, Crawford’s opening period was crucial on his way to 13 points in just 19 minutes of court time. It was not Milton Doyle‘s most efficient performance (4/13 FG), but he found his groove when the JackJumpers needed a basket and finished with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds. Jack McVeigh improved on a poor showing in game one to pour in a team-high 16 points and eight rebounds, while Sean Macdonald was important off the bench with 13 points of his own.

Game three will take place at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon at 5:30pm.