NBL27 Match Recap: Tasmania JackJumpers vs Melbourne United. 1 October 2026.

Melbourne United have fallen just short of a road win inside MyState Bank Arena in a thriller against the Tasmania JackJumpers, losing 84-82, taking their season record to 1-2.

Cole Anthony opened up the scoring for United with a nice midrange push-shot, taking it at the JackJumpers interior defence from tip-off and setting the standard for the game to come. 

The next six minutes of the first quarter were a rock fight, with both teams getting in foul trouble amongst some physical defence. United were unable to take advantage though, going 3/10 from the free throw line, leaving points on the table with three minutes left in the period. 

Facing an 11 point deficit, veteran Joe Ingles steadied the ship, hitting a wing three pointer and assisting Josh Oduro in back-to-back possessions, cutting the JackJumpers lead to five. 

Sam Waardenburg closed out the first period with an offensive rebound and layup leaving the scores at 23-14 in favour of the home team.

Ingles started the second with nothing but net on a pull-up three to spur some confidence into his teammates and set the tone for the team’s offence. 

In the midst of a chaotic offensive period for Melbourne, Waardenburg blocked a JackJumpers layup with a massive swat off the backboard, sending some much needed electricity into United’s defence, after a small run from Tasmania furthered their advantage.

Despite this, United failed to get into an offensive rhythm as the period continued, letting the JackJumpers lead balloon to 19 points at the midway point of the second. 

Again, it was Ingles who stopped the bleeding, this time with a nice lefty scoop layup over a tight contest to break United’s offensive drought. 

Oduro then put in a layup off a nice move in the post, which was quickly followed by an Ingles and-1, to set the score at 47-31 with three minutes left in the half. 

The half finished much like the rest of the game had played out, with the home team at the free throw line, setting quite the task for Melbourne for the rest of the game, as the scores sat at 52-35 going into the break.

United opened strong in the third, as Oduro continued his perfect shooting night to that point with three straight buckets to cut Tasmania’s lead to 11 two minutes in. 

After a quick three from the home team, Anthony got back in action with a deep three of his own, keeping United’s offence in flow as they methodically cut into their deficit. 

Anthony, in an effort to get his game going, made a tough fadeaway midrange with two minutes left in the quarter, to take his point tally to double figures. 

However, Melbourne’s offensive woes continued through to the end of the third, leavingt the score at 68-54 following a pair of free throws from Ingles.

Malith Machar put in United’s first field goal of the fourth, with a slick floater off a strong drive into the lane, cutting the JackJumpers lead to 11, keeping the game in arm’s reach.

Luke Travers followed Machar’s lead with some intensity of his own, driving hard at the rim for an easy layup to bring his team an inch closer in their comeback effort.

With five minutes left in the game, Oduro, who was excellent all night, imposed his will on the JackJumpers defence for a tough and-1, cutting the deficit to four points and giving Melbourne hopes of a win. 

After a chaotic few minutes, Travers continued his hot streak in back-to-back possessions with a pull up three and a hoop with the harm for six straight points, making it a two point game with just under two minutes left in the contest. 

Waardenburg took the lead with a fastbreak layup and-1 to get Melbourne’s first advantage since the first minute of the game. 

An incredible comeback effort reached its apex, as Waardenburg, after some Melbourne fouls and Tasmania free throws, hit a miraculous three to tie the game with 14 seconds left. 

Despite their fantastic effort, a heartbreaking shot from Tasmania meant United’s fourth quarter fight came up just short for a two point loss, 84-82.

United will next take the court as the home team against the Cairns Taipans inside John Cain Arena, tip-off is at 7:30pm, and tickets are still available here via AXS.

Fans can tune in live via ESPN, Disney+ or Channel 9.

FULL BOX SCORE AVAILABLE HERE

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