Mitsubishi Match Recap: Hungry Jack’s NBL26 - Round 13, Game 2 v Tasmania JackJumpers

Melbourne United have gone down in the Open Air Game, falling to the Tasmania JackJumpers on Tuesday evening.

With the roof open, United drew up the perfect play to start the game, finding Jesse Edwards flying towards the rim for a thunderous jam.

The big man led the way in the first period, tallying 7 points and using his size inside the paint.

In a physical matchup, Milton Doyle fought his way into the paint for an and-one finish, while Dash Daniels found his range from deep, rattling in a long-ball from the wing.

Tanner Krebs added a layup shortly after this, however it was the JackJumpers who were able to control more moments, which helped them take a 19-22 lead into the break. 

While Melbourne threatened to push back in front for much of the second, Tasmania were able to hold them off by drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line.

Finn Delany knocked down his look from long range, however he and Edwards would spend much of the period on the bench after picking up their third fouls.

Tyson Walker picked up the slack, sinking a pair of triples and coming away with two steals.

Kyle Bowen also provided a major boost off the bench, blocking a three-pointer before grabbing an offensive rebound which resulted in a Doyle three-ball.

This ensured the JackJumpers couldn’t extend their lead and set the score at 39-42 with one half yet to play.

Following a spectacular fireworks display at half time, United struggled to find offensive rhythm.

Edwards rose upstairs for another dunk, but picked up his fourth foul shortly afterwards, sending him to the bench.

The JackJumpers took advantage of this, attacking inside and playing intense defence.

This allowed the visitors to outscore Melbourne 23-9 in the term and open up a 48-65 advantage with one quarter remaining.

While the home side showed signs of life late in the game, as Doyle connected on back-to-back triples and Chris Goulding found the bottom of the net from the mid-range.

Walker added his third and fourth long-range makes, bringing his total up to 15 points, however this scoring spark came too late.

United ultimately went down 73-92, bringing their record to 14-7 ahead of the team’s upcoming road trip.

Melbourne United will next take the court on Saturday 27 December against the Brisbane Bullets on the road.

Fans can tune in via ESPN.