Doyle stars as Tasmania hand Melbourne first loss

Star import Milton Doyle has exploded late to lead the Tasmania JackJumpers to a thrilling 80-75 comeback win over NBL title favourites Melbourne United.

Melbourne were coasting with a 13-point lead early in the final period at John Cain Arena on Sunday before the JackJumpers roared back into the contest.

American guard Doyle drained 14 points in the fourth quarter, including the go-ahead triple with 20 seconds left to play.

Shea Ili had a good look for United to tie the scores but couldn't hit the mark from the corner.

The result gave Tasmania a 2-1 record through two rounds, while the loss to their bogey team was United's (2-1) first of the season.

Doyle finished with a game-high 25 points and eight rebounds, while teammate Jordon Crawford impressed with 18 points, including 10 in the first quarter.

Jack McVeigh (13 points, five rebounds) was also important for the visitors.

Ariel Hukporti (15 points), Chris Goulding (12) and Ian Clark (11) led United's scoring.

Goulding hit a pair of early triples but Crawford kept the visitors in touch with a hot hand in the first quarter.

His fourth basket from five attempts ended an 8-0 run for Melbourne, who led 18-16 at the first break.

It remained tight through a low-scoring first half, with Goulding outstanding from long range to keep United ahead 36-35 by halftime.

On his club debut after a hamstring injury, Ian Clark landed a triple to give United a game-high eight-point lead during the third quarter.

They turned for home 61-53 in front on the back of a 17-7 run to end the period.

The lead reached double figures early in the final quarter as a Luke Travers dunk brought the home crowd to their feet.

But Tasmania wouldn't go away, cutting the lead to four on a 13-4 run to force Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman into a time-out.

Doyle wouldn't be denied down the stretch as the JackJumpers caused a huge upset.