In a riveting NBL showdown on Sunday, the Adelaide 36ers orchestrated a stunning second-half turnaround to defeat the Tasmania JackJumpers 77-73 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. The victory, which coincided with guard Jason Cadee’s 400th NBL game, propelled the 36ers to a 4-3 record and fifth place in the league standings.
Slow Start, Electrifying Finish
The 36ers found themselves in early trouble, with the JackJumpers jumping out to a commanding 15-4 lead in the first quarter. Tasmania’s suffocating defense, anchored by imports Jordon Crawford and Milton Doyle, held Adelaide to a meager 13 points in the opening period.
The JackJumpers’ dominance continued in the second quarter, punctuated by a jaw-dropping block from Will Magnay, who emphatically rejected Montrezl Harrell’s attempted put-back dunk. By halftime, Tasmania had built a 39-31 advantage, holding the 36ers to their lowest first-half output of the season.
Davis and Harrell Ignite 36ers’ Comeback
Facing an eight-point deficit, the 36ers came out of the locker room with renewed intensity. Point guard Kendric Davis, who finished with 23 points and six assists, orchestrated Adelaide’s offensive onslaught. His quick hands on defense and incisive playmaking put immense pressure on the JackJumpers.
Montrezl Harrell, fresh off committing to Adelaide for the remainder of the season, proved instrumental in the 36ers’ resurgence. The former NBA player poured in 22 points, using his strength and agility to overpower Tasmania’s interior defense.
“We knew we had to come out strong in the second half,” Davis remarked post-game. “Coach emphasized playing with more energy and dictating the tempo. We executed the game plan and fought tooth and nail for this win.”
– Kendric Davis, Adelaide 36ers point guard
Third-Quarter Explosion Shifts Momentum
Adelaide’s third-quarter performance was nothing short of spectacular. After connecting on just one of 12 three-point attempts in the first half, the 36ers caught fire from beyond the arc. Sunday Dech’s triple capped a 7-0 run to open the period, setting the tone for Adelaide’s offensive eruption.
League-leading scorer Dejan Vasiljevic, who had been held scoreless in the first half, finally broke through with a teardrop floater and a clutch three-pointer. The 36ers outscored the JackJumpers 23-11 in the third quarter, turning an eight-point deficit into a 54-50 lead heading into the final stanza.
JackJumpers’ Valiant Effort Falls Short
Despite facing a 13-point hole early in the fourth quarter, the JackJumpers refused to go down without a fight. Milton Doyle, who led Tasmania with 22 points, almost single-handedly willed his team back into contention. His long-range bombs and fearless drives to the basket trimmed Adelaide’s lead to just two points with nine seconds remaining.
However, Kendric Davis calmly sank two free throws to seal the victory for the 36ers, ensuring they held off Tasmania’s spirited late charge.
Looking Ahead
The win marks a significant milestone for the 36ers, who have now won four of their last five games. With Montrezl Harrell committed for the season and Jarell Martin returning from injury, Adelaide appears poised to make a strong push up the NBL standings.
Meanwhile, the Tasmania JackJumpers will look to regroup after a tough road loss. Despite falling to 3-4 on the season, the reigning champions showcased their resilience and depth, nearly pulling off an improbable comeback.
As the NBL season continues to unfold, basketball fans across Australia can expect more thrilling clashes like this one. The Adelaide 36ers and Tasmania JackJumpers have set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable campaign, where every possession matters and no lead is safe.
