Tasmania JackJumpers pulled off a thrilling overtime victory against the Adelaide 36ers, winning 104-103 at MyState Bank Arena on January 10, 2024. The game took on dramatic proportions as Milton Doyle delivered the stunning winning tip-in with only 0.2 seconds left on the clock, securing the victory for the JackJumpers and strengthening their position within the top six of the NBL standings.
The match began with the JackJumpers showcasing their offensive prowess, leading 30-22 by the end of the first quarter. Nick Stoddart, making his first start, hit three quick three-pointers, energizing the home crowd. Tasmania looked solid early on, but as the game progressed, the tide turned when the Adelaide 36ers launched their comeback. Seizing the momentum, the 36ers closed the first half with a dominant 28-7 run, effectively outscoring the JackJumpers and heading to the locker room with a 53-41 lead.
Adelaide's Kendric Davis shone throughout the matchup, scoring 39 points. His performance kept the 36ers competitive, and it seemed the visitors had control with just under two minutes remaining, leading by seven. Yet, the JackJumpers rejected the narrative of defeat, displaying their heart and resilience. Ian Hummer began the JackJumpers' revival with one layup, followed by Majok Deng’s impressive alley-oop dunk, which brought much-needed energy back to the game.
The most pivotal moment came during the final seconds of regulation. With just under 25 seconds left, the 36ers made a costly backcourt turnover, which allowed Deng to convert with a game-tying three-pointer, leading to overtime. Reflecting on the wild end of regulation, JackJumpers coach Scott Roth noted, "It's a remarkable win. A team with high-character guys who are humble, hungry and do the right things – you'll go to bat with them any time." Roth proclaimed this as one of the greatest games he has ever been part of, asserting the significance it held for his team.
Overtime began intensely, with both teams battling for supremacy. After trading leads, the score climbed to 103-102 favoring the 36ers following Montrezl Harrell’s three-point play. But Doyle would not be denied. His eventual putback secured the JackJumpers' victory and continues to draw attention for the NBL’s upcoming games. This victory added to the thrilling nature of the NBL season, leaving fans buzzing over the JackJumpers’ ability to stage comebacks. The game underscored not just statistical performances but the unforeseen circumstances unraveling on the court.
Davis's 39 points underscored his role as one of the standout players for the 36ers, alongside Isaac Humphries, who had 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Harrell, who contributed with 19 points and nine boards. Yet, 36ers coach Mike Wells admitted after the game, "I thought we had control of the game for the majority of...but unfortunately we didn't make a play at the end. This is a painful one," illustrating the heartbreak of narrowly losing control.
The remarkable win keeps the JackJumpers on track. They stand at 12-10 this season and are poised to keep fighting as they contend for playoff spots. Meanwhile, the 36ers, who now fall to 9-12, will face the Illawarra Hawks next, hoping to regroup emotionally and physically from their close loss against Tasmania.
The JackJumpers' historic win not only highlights their resilience but sets the stage for exciting upcoming matches in the NBL. With teams tightening their strategies for end-of-season play, every victory matters tenfold, embedding the teams' legacies with moments of sheer determination and skill. The atmosphere within the MyState Bank Arena reflected this spirited quest, marking another chapter of heart-stopping basketball.