In a remarkable turn of events, the Tasmania JackJumpers shocked the NBL world by handing the league-leading New Zealand Breakers a stunning 19-point defeat on Saturday night. The 83-64 upset win not only snapped the JackJumpers’ three-game losing streak but also breathed new life into their season as they climbed off the bottom of the ladder.
JackJumpers Leap Off the Bottom with Stunning Upset
Led by a game-high 19 points from American import Jordon Crawford, the JackJumpers put together a complete team effort to stun the high-flying Breakers. The win improved Tasmania’s record to 4-8, while New Zealand fell to 6-3 as the season approaches its midway point.
Breakers’ Nightmare Third Quarter
The turning point of the game came in a disastrous third quarter for the Breakers, where they managed to score just three points – the worst quarter by any team in the NBL this season. Tasmania outscored New Zealand 44-17 across the second and third periods to seize control of the contest.
We knew we had to make a statement tonight, and everyone stepped up. Our defense in that third quarter was incredible, and it gave us the momentum we needed to close out the game.
– Jordon Crawford, Tasmania JackJumpers
Bolden Injury Compounds Breakers’ Woes
To make matters worse for the Breakers, star power forward Jonah Bolden limped off the court early in the first quarter with a left calf injury and did not return. His absence was felt as the JackJumpers dominated the paint and boards.
Bench Contributions Key for Tasmania
While Crawford led the way, it was the JackJumpers’ bench that made the difference. Import Craig Sword had his best game of the season with 18 points, while fellow reserve Majok Deng also chipped in 18 points and six rebounds.
- Craig Sword: 18 points (season-high)
- Majok Deng: 18 points, 6 rebounds
- Jordon Crawford: 19 points (game-high)
Remarkably, the JackJumpers secured the victory despite a quiet night from star guard Milton Doyle, who finished with just three points after exploding for 30 in their previous game against Perth.
Breakers’ Bright Spots in Defeat
For the Breakers, guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright led the way with 15 points and a game-high nine assists, while Sam Mennenga contributed 13 points and seven rebounds in the losing effort. However, New Zealand’s 19 turnovers compared to Tasmania’s 13 proved costly.
Early Breakers Lead Evaporates
The Breakers came out firing, hitting their first four three-pointers to race out to an early 27-20 lead at the end of the first quarter. However, the JackJumpers responded with a 25-14 second period to take a four-point advantage into the half, setting the stage for their dominant third quarter.
We had a great start, but credit to Tasmania, they really turned up the heat defensively and we didn’t have an answer. It’s a tough loss, but we’ll regroup and bounce back.
– Sam Mennenga, New Zealand Breakers
Looking Ahead
The JackJumpers will look to build on this momentum as they head into a crucial stretch of their season. With the ladder congested and playoff spots up for grabs, every win counts. For the Breakers, they’ll aim to rebound quickly and maintain their position atop the standings.
As the NBL season reaches its midpoint, this upset serves as a reminder that no team is safe and that anything can happen on any given night. The Tasmania JackJumpers have shown that they’re not to be underestimated, and their stunning victory over the league leaders could be the spark that ignites a resurgent second half of the season.
