WWAG NBL24 Match Recap - Round 16 v Tasmania JackJumpers

Looking to secure their second straight win in Tasmania, United got off to the perfect start, going on an 11-1 run built on fantastic interior defence from Ariel Hukporti.

The JackJumpers were able to hit back quickly through Jack McViegh, who scored eight quick points before an Ian Clark floater gave Melbourne back some momentum.

Despite a pair of triples from Chris Goulding and a tough bucket from Flynn Cameron, hot shooting from Tasmania propelled the home side back into the lead to close the term.

This expert marksmanship followed the JackJumpers into the second term, knocking three of their four attempts from long range in the period to push their lead out to as many 12 points.

Despite this, United kept fighting, closing the gap to just two points thanks to some tough shot making from Goulding and Clark.

Needing a spark, Luke Travers skied for an alley-oop slam in the final minute, giving Melbourne a much needed boost going into the major break.

Coming out of half-time, United struggled to keep up with the JackJumpers, who charged ahead on the back of 26 points from import guard Jordon Crawford.

Searching for an answer, Dean Vickerman injected Brad Newley and Campbell Blogg into the contest, who helped Melbourne claw back to within 21 points heading into the fourth quarter.

Needing their absolute best to secure the comeback victory, United’s undermanned lineup struggled to match the JackJumpers in the final term.

Hukporti was able to produce some impressive plays above the rim, finishing with 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.

In the end, Tasmania’s dominance on the boards and beyond the arc proved too much, handing United their sixth loss of the season.

Melbourne will next take the court in Round 17 when they hit the road once again to face the Brisbane Bullets on January 26 from 7:30pm.

Fans can tune in on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.