BNZ Breakers Use JackJumpers Game to Experiment

The BNZ Breakers have shown tremendous resolve coming back from a 21 point deficit to close within seven in a 92-85 loss to the Tasmanian Jackjumpers at the NBL Blitz.

Both teams were playing their second games this week at the NBL Blitz at the Gold Coast Convention Centre with Tasmania coming off a win against the South East Melbourne Phoenix while the Breakers were impressive against the Adelaide 36ers.

The rematch of the semi-final series from last season was the opening game on day four at the NBL Blitz and it was the JackJumpers leading 25-23 by the end of one.

Tasmania then took charge in the second period with 29 points to 12 and on the back of getting to the foul line 24 times in the half, the JackJumpers were in control leading 54-35.

The Breakers made a charge in the third quarter despite the absence of point guard Will McDowell-White. Late in the period, Finn Delany knocked down a three ball to bring the Breakers back within eight and soon after a Zylan Cheatham dunk made the deficit seven.

New Zealand did close to within six, but Tasmania finished the third quarter with big buckets from Majok Deng and Marcus Lee to stretch the lead back out to 12, and the JackJumpers maintained control from there to end up winning by seven.

Jack McVeigh showed that he’s ready for another standout NBL24 season for Tasmania on the back of playing in Germany this off-season. He knocked down 4/4 from downtown on his way to 19 points and five rebounds.

Jordon Crawford showed exciting signs for the season ahead with 18 points, six assists and five rebounds with Marcus Lee standing tall in the absence of Will Magnay for 13 points, three rebounds and three steals.

Majok Deng also had 10 points for Tasmania, Anthony Drmic eight points, four rebounds and two steals, and Milton Doyle six points, seven assists and four rebounds.

Cam Gliddon continued his hot shooting this week at the NBL Blitz for the Breakers knocking down another 5/9 from beyond the three-point line for 17 points to go with five assists and two steals.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright was again impressive at the point with 16 points, five assists and five rebounds with Zylan Cheatham exciting with 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a block.

Mangok Mathiang also had nine points and four rebounds for the Breakers, and Justinian Jessup nine points, two boards, two assists and two steals.

Both teams have one more game to go at the NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast with both playing on Thursday. Tasmania is first up against the Adelaide 36ers before the Breakers take on the Perth Wildcats.

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL BLITZ

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 92 (McVeigh 19, Crawford 18, Lee 13)

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS 85 (Gliddon 17, Jackson-Cartwright 16, Cheatham 14) 

BOX SCORE