Match Recap: NBL23 Round 3 vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United have missed an opportunity to take away two wins from Round 3, going down to the Tasmania JackJumpers by 10 points.

In front of yet another impressive John Cain Arena crowd, Melbourne United’s second game of the round got underway. The JackJumpers continued their recent hot shooting form with pair of early 3’s, but Melbourne United kept the scoreboard ticking over themselves.

Despite scoring contributions across the board from Melbourne United, the JackJumpers pulled away to lead by 8 at quarter time.

The Tasmanians started strongly to begin the second quarter, with Melbourne’s Isaac Humphries forced to the bench with 3 first-half fouls. Rayjon Tucker tried his best to get United back into the game with a 3-point play, followed up quickly by another 3.

But Tasmania, led by Fabijan Krslovic’s 11 first-half points, stretched their lead out to 13-points at the main break.

Xavier Rathan-Mayes set the tone for Melbourne United early in the third, scoring the first 7 points of the quarter while also forcing a JackJumpers turnover. Rayjon Tucker re-joined the party with a 3 of his own, and the Tasmanian lead was cut to 3.

Chris Goulding dropped his first triple of the day, and only 3 minutes into the second half scores were all tied up. However, in true never-say-die JackJumper form, Tasmania scored the next 10 points to run away with the lead once more.

The fourth quarter was a slug-fest, with both teams trading shots at one another, but with just over one minute to go, United still found themselves down by 10 points.

The margin proved too great for the home side, with the JackJumpers taking victory 74-64.

Melbourne United next take on the Cairns Taipans at 7:30pm Thursday Night at John Cain Arena. This week fans can win up to 50% off tickets via Melbourne United’s Spin To Win promotion – click HERE to spin the wheel now!

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