The Tasmania JackJumpers faced not only defeat but also unforeseen interruptions during their NBL match against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday, as water leaking from the roof of MyState Bank Arena forced officials to halt play for six minutes. The leak occurred with just under four minutes remaining in the second quarter, coinciding with intense storms across Greater Hobart, creating complications both on and off the court.
The game eventually resumed, but the delay seemed to shift momentum away from the JackJumpers, who were attempting to extend their impressive eight-game winning streak. Sadly for fans of the home team, South East Melbourne capitalized on the disruption to claim victory with a final score of 105-91, marking the end of Tasmania's run and handing them their first loss at home this season.
Reportedly, the leaking roof left commentators contemplating makeshift solutions: “Can somebody go on the top of this thing and put some glue on it or something? We can’t sit around waiting on this leak,” quipped one ESPN commentator during the live broadcast of the game, highlighting the peculiarity of the situation.
Prior to the interruption, the game held competitive tension, with the JackJumpers trailing slightly behind the Phoenix, thanks to strong performances from key players. Jordon Crawford led Tasmania with 16 points, providing the team with valuable support as they attempted to regain control of the match. Unfortunately, the Phoenix's Matt Hurt shone brightly, scoring 20 points, aided by Jordan Hunter with 17 points and Derrick Walton Jr. contributing 16 points.
Notably, the JackJumpers allowed their defense to slip, conceding violations and failing to capitalize on rebounds. They managed only 30 total rebounds and three second-chance points, contrasting sharply with the Phoenix’s dominance, where they scored 58 points in the paint and capitalized on 16 turnovers from Tasmania.
The leak underscored the call for urgent improvements to infrastructure at MyState Bank Arena. NBL owner Larry Kestelman had expressed concerns over the stadium's ability to handle its growing fanbase, which celebrated its 51st consecutive sellout on Sunday. He urged the Tasmanian Government to prioritize upgrades to facilitate the burgeoning attendance. “The commitment by the government to the team over the past four years to the tune of about $10 million is greatly appreciated and we feel has provided amazing return to the Apple Isle,” Kestelman remarked, showcasing the economic benefits of supporting the local team.
The game resumed after the interruption, but not before the Phoenix established a decisive lead, taking advantage of the JackJumpers' slowed momentum. The final score not only snapped Tasmania's winning streak but also positioned the Phoenix to improve their record to 11-10. Despite the loss, the JackJumpers remain within the playoff standings at 11-9, closely trailing the Phoenix.
Fans will need to regroup as the JackJumpers prepare for their next challenge against the league-leading Illawarra Hawks, aiming to recover quickly. While local supporters may feel disheartened by the loss and the unexpected delays, the rapidly growing interest and attendance highlight the increasing significance of the NBL to the local community.
The match against the Phoenix served as both a competitive highlight and cautionary tale for the JackJumpers and their management, prompting immediate reflections on venue facilities amid the excitement of their season campaign.
With the issues raised about MyState Bank Arena’s infrastructure, it remains to be seen how the Tasmanian Government will respond to the calls for development. If improvements are made, it will not only help prevent future interruptions but also aim to maintain the vibrance of what has become one of basketball’s key locations.