WWAG Match Recap: NBL23 Round 14 v Tasmania JackJumpers

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United have picked up another crucial road win, beating the JackJumpers in Tasmania on Saturday evening.

United got off to a strong start to the game through Isaac Humphries, who scored with his first touch to get his side going.

While the visitors were able to hold off the JJs with strong defence, not allowing any points through the first three minutes, offensive rebounding by Tasmania kept them in the game.

In a back and forth quarter, Melbourne’s rotation took a major hit, with Humphries heading back to the locker room with a knee injury and Dave Barlow exiting the game following a hard elbow to the face that resulted in a concussion.

10 points off the bench from Jack McVeigh lifted Tassie, helping them to a 20-17 lead to close the opening 10 minutes.

Asked to carry a larger load due to United’s injuries, Marcus Lee stepped up to begin the second period.

The towering American scored United’s opening bucket off an offensive rebound before slamming home a pair of huge dunks to go along with his three blocked shots.

While Lee was firing, the tenacious rebounding of Tasmania stopped United from ever pulling ahead, as the JJs pulled down 11 offensive boards throughout the first half.

With less than a minute remaining in the quarter, Chris Goulding came up big, cashing in on a deep triple to tie the game.

A Tassie layup and MU free throws in the final seconds would ultimately lead to the game staying tied at 44 apiece going into half time.

After giving up a score on the opening play, CG picked up where he left off, sinking another three to give United the lead.

Across much of the term, neither side showed much of an ability to maintain their advantage, with six lead changes over the first six minutes of action.

Melbourne however showcased their toughness, getting big stops and pulling ahead.

United closed the game with energy, as Marcus Lee took a perfect charge before flying high for another alley-oop slam, all before CG43 cashed in on his fourth three of the game to give the visitors a 71-63 advantage.

Knowing every win is crucial, MU came up big in the clutch.

No matter what the JackJumpers threw at them across the fourth quarter, Melbourne played to their namesake, United.

Goulding finished with 23 points while Marcus Lee continued to make huge play after huge play, ending the game with 22 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.

Despite some tough shot-making from Milton Doyle, United hung tough, holding the JJs at bay for the entire fourth quarter.

Up seven with 10 seconds remaining, Rayjon Tucker put the cherry on top for the visitors, coming away with a steal and slamming home a dunk to secure Melbourne’s 11th win on the season.

Melbourne will next face the New Zealand Breakers on the road on Thursday 12 January from 5:30pm AEST.

Fans can tune in on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.