IN THE annual National Basketball League (NBL) open-air clash, the Tasmania JackJumpers delivered one of their best performances of the 2025/26 fixture, defeating Melbourne United by 19 points in a dominant display.

It was another instalment of one of the NBL’s best modern rivalries, one that has included last-second thrillers and postseason matchups. Although United entered the clash as favourites, the JackJumpers seem to find a way to make these encounters close at the very least, and with the roof open at John Cain Arena on Monday night, it was shaping as a blockbuster clash to start the holiday period.

Putting their focus on pushing the ball inside and not giving the wind any chance to wreak havoc on long-range attempts, the JackJumpers proved far too good for the home side last night, cruising home to a big win that could spark a finals run in the coming months.

Melbourne United (73) def. by Tasmania JackJumpers (92)

The first quarter belonged to JackJumpers import Tyger Campbell, who was having his way with United missing their best point of attack defender in Shea Ili. Tasmania’s point guard dropped nine points in the first quarter, including an impressive and-one through contact to help the JackJumpers to a three-point buffer at the first change.

Despite Scott Roth and his bench both being issued with technical fouls in a feisty second term, the visitors were doing enough to keep in front. Melbourne’s big man Jesse Edwards found himself in foul trouble early in the period and was forced to the bench, which allowed the JackJumpers to maintain inside dominance and stay up by three points at the main change.

The game broke open in the third quarter, with Melbourne scoring just four points in the first eight minutes of the second half. Tasmania began to build a substantial lead, and suddenly held a 20-point buffer in what was a defining period of the match. The JackJumpers outscored United 23-9 in the period and looked in the box seat with a quarter to play.

Although United tried to get back into the match with long-range attempts, the visitors never relented, continuing to push the pace in transition as imports David Johnson and Bryce Hamilton put the finishing touches on what was a magnificent performance from the JackJumpers. Tasmania continued its trend of winning on the road and ended the match with a 19-point win.

Campbell led all-comers on the scoring front, finishing with 20 points on 8/11 shooting to go with six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks in one of his best outings in a JackJumpers uniform. The guard had plenty of help from Hamilton (18 points) and Johnson (14 points), while Josh Bannan (12 points, 12 rebounds) and Will Magnay (nine points, 10 rebounds) controlled the skies.

United import Tyson Walker kept his side in the match in the second half with some timely makes en route to 15 points for the match, while Edwards and former JackJumper Milton Doyle posted 13 points apiece. It was a quiet outing from United sharpshooter Chris Goulding, who managed just four points on 1/9 shooting.