The Tasmania JackJumpers showcased their unpredictable nature by achieving a stunning victory over the South-East Melbourne Phoenix, ending a rough streak at home with an 87-84 win. This exciting game took place on December 29, 2025, at MyState Bank Arena in Hobart, Australia. Just days after struggling offensively in an overtime loss to New Zealand, the JackJumpers capitalized on a slow start from the visiting Phoenix, who were playing their first game in nine days.
Match Highlights
- The JackJumpers built a 16-point lead by halftime.
- The Phoenix managed to cut the deficit to just one point with 30 seconds remaining.
- Nathan Sobey of South-East Melbourne missed two crucial three-pointers that could have leveled the game.
Despite holding a strong lead, Tasmania faced a late challenge. However, the resilient JackJumpers maintained their composure to secure the win. This victory improved Tasmania’s record to 10 wins and 12 losses, positioning them firmly in the fight for a playoff spot against the Breakers, who are currently at 8 wins and 13 losses.
Struggles of South-East Melbourne
The Phoenix’s performance raised questions about their preparedness. Coming off a nine-day break, their offensive struggled, shooting less than 30% from the field in the first half. They had difficulty connecting on three-point attempts, showcasing disorganization at crucial moments during the game.
Nathan Sobey was a bright spot for South-East Melbourne, contributing 27 points, with 14 scored before halftime. However, his efforts were not enough to overcome the deficit created by Tasmania’s solid performance.
Key Player Performances
- Majok Deng scored 21 points, igniting the JackJumpers’ offense after a quiet period in previous games.
- Will Magnay, despite a limited scoring night with only six points, contributed to the team’s overall strategy.
- Newcomer Ian Clark, making his debut, recorded seven points, four assists, and two rebounds, as he began integrating into the Phoenix’s system.
The bench of the JackJumpers proved crucial, outscoring the Phoenix’s bench 39-16. This was an essential factor in their victory, considering their prior ranking in bench scoring.
Future Implications
With the win over a quality opponent, fans are left wondering if this game marks a turning point for the unpredictable JackJumpers. They have shown their capacity to perform against top teams, defeating South-East Melbourne twice and third-placed Melbourne United in recent matches. Their ability to remain consistent will be crucial as the season progresses.
