The Tasmania JackJumpers have began 2023 in effective model, trouncing South East Melbourne Phoenix 99-74 at MyState Bank Arena.
The JackJumpers’ commanding 32-18 opening quarter, underpinned by their prolonged defensive stress, paved the way in which for Sunday’s rout.
The error-strewn Phoenix coughed up 25 turnovers, routinely unable to even advance the ball previous midway.
Their lack of combat was so palpable NBL legend and tv commentator Andrew Gaze remarked: “What’s more disappointing for the Phoenix is, right now, they’ve put up the white flag.”
Phoenix’s woes have been compounded when guard Trey Kel III injured his left knee late within the second quarter, sitting out the remainder of the match.
Injury, COVID-19 and sickness nearly stopped SEM from taking the courtroom, coach Simon Mitchell earlier within the week saying as many as seven gamers have been unsure.
Star import Milton Doyle (25 factors, seven assists, six steals) dominated at each ends for the JackJumpers and rising guard Isaac White (18 factors in 20 minutes) loved the best sport of his profession.
“Today we got back on track,” JackJumpers coach Scott Roth stated.
“Our guys came in with a really good mindset, much more attacking mode and playing on the front foot instead of the back foot.
“Loads of guys contributed in several methods, which was nice.”
Alan Williams (21 points) and Mitch Creek (18) were Phoenix’s only two genuine scoring avenues, particularly early when they combined, incredibly, for the visitors’ first 29 points.
White came off the bench late in the opening stanza and rifled 10 points in barely a minute as the JackJumpers asserted their supremacy.
White exceeded his previous career-high well before halftime as the turnover-fest continued for SEM.
After the visitors started the third period with a 7-0 burst to close to 57-50, the JackJumpers called a time-out and duly went on a 20-5 tear.
The procession continued in the fourth when Doyle stripped Creek before lobbing a pass to Rashard Kelly, who flew for a spectacular alley-oop dunk.
“We dealt with their stress up the ground actually poorly,” Mitchell stated.
“Our composure was simply terrible, actually unhealthy.
“Regardless of personnel, there were some effort things there that dissipated as the game went on and that’s really disappointing.
“They had themselves a feast on us.”
