ALTHOUGH they had to come from behind to get the job done, the Tasmania JackJumpers were able to overcome a strong start from the opposition and defeat the Cairns Taipans by 13 points in the National Basketball League (NBL) over the weekend.

The Taipans hosted the JackJumpers at Cairns Convention Centre, fresh off their most impressive win of the season in the round prior, defeating the reigning champion Illawarra Hawks to show what they were truly capable of. Adding to the excitement of the team, the Taipans were also regaining Jack McVeigh and Sam Waardenburg for the match, with the latter suiting up for the first time this season.

Although the hosts were able to jump out to an early lead on Saturday night, the JackJumpers’ gritty style of play came to the fore as the match rolled on, and Tasmania was able to get the job done in enemy territory to jump back into the top six.

Cairns Taipans (68) def. by Tasmania JackJumpers (81)

The Taipans could not have started the game any better, stunning the JackJumpers and continuing their momentum from last week to score the first 13 points of the game. This immediately put Tasmania on the back foot, before Bryce Hamilton knocked down a three-pointer to get the visitors on the scoreboard. However, the JackJumpers still trailed by eight points at the first change and still had an uphill battle ahead.

As expected, Tassie got going after a slow start, with forward Josh Bannan providing the spark on the offensive end. The off-season recruit was beginning to make some tough shots, and despite some strong defensive efforts from the Taipans, the visitors were back in the match. At the main break, the margin was slashed to just two points and it was game on up in Queensland.

Bannan was involved again in the third frame, proving the catalyst for an 11-0 Tasmania run that broke the game open. Suddenly, the JackJumpers held all the chips to take their first lead of the game and silence the Cairns Convention Centre. The visitors led by six points at the final break, and all of the momentum was swinging their way.

Tasmania’s work on the offensive glass was a massive problem for the Taipans in the second and third quarters, which helped the visitors jump out to a hefty lead. Although the home side never caved and kept fighting in the final frame, the JackJumpers closed the contest on a 15-4 run to storm home to their second straight win.

Bannan was the overall standout for the JackJumpers, posting an impressive double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds to play a crucial role in the win. Imports David Johnson and Bryce Hamilton each posted 13 points and proved crucial in the final quarter, with both playing massive parts in the match-winning run.

Against his former side, Jack McVeigh was able to put together another really strong performance, finishing with 24 points – which was the most of any player on the court – eight rebounds and four assists on 8/17 shooting from the field, while Andrew Andrews put up 18 points, five boards and eight assists.