Match Recap: Semi Final Game 3 v Tasmania JackJumpers

Melbourne United have been eliminated from the 2022 Hungry Jack’s NBL Finals following a hard-fought loss to the Tasmania JackJumpers.

Missing Captain and star guard Chris Goulding, Caleb Agada stepped into the starting lineup and provided an instant spark.

CA bullied his way into the paint for easy buckets, while Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Shea Ili made an impact on both ends.

Ili starred in the first term, scoring nine of his 18 points in the opening 10 minutes and helping the defending champs take a 25-21 lead to close the period.

The second quarter was hotly contested, however United looked strong thanks to more great plays from JLA and Matthew Dellavedova.

Melbourne continued to attack inside, using strong ball-movement to keep their offence flowing, however the JJs worked valiantly to push back in front.

Trailing by three with less than a minute remaining, Delly stepped uo for the home side, knocking in a three-pointer to tie the game heading into the main break.

The third quarter was a difficult one for Melbourne, as Josh Adams broke the game open with a personal 10-0 run.

It was Shea Ili that helped break the run and time and time again worked to keep United in striking distance.

As he has all season, the Kiwi scraped, fought, and propelled his side, helping cut the Tassie lead to just six points to close the third term.

Needing an energy boost, United’s fans got behind their team, cheering hard as JLA scored five quick points, before battling inside for a tough bucket that gave Melbourne the lead back.

It was tit-for-tat across the final 10 minutes, however it was Tasmania that was able to knock in the most important shots of the game.

Adams and Magette both connected on tough three-pointers down the stretch to give the JJs what would be a game-winning lead.

Jack White did his best to extend the game, putting in two tough buckets in the final minute, however the damage was already done, and Melbourne went down by three points.