JackJumpers outmuscle United in Open Air Game

The roof was open at John Cain Arena and the Tasmania JackJumpers deliberately chose to not test the elements too much and their focus on the inside worked a treat with a dominant 92-73 win over Melbourne United.

It turned out to be a complete domination on the inside from the JackJumpers as they outrebounded United 51 to 31 including 14 offensive boards to five.

Being aggressive attacking the rim was key too and as a result United centre Jesse Edwards was in foul trouble the whole game and limited to 18:54 for 13 points and four rebounds.

The JackJumpers were rewarded too by going 22/31 at the foul line and combining that with only the 11 turnovers and then not putting the ball up in the elements too much with 4/17 three-point shooting meant they put in a dominant performance to win by 19.

It was a horror night for Melbourne as they slip to 14-7 having lost five of the last six with shooting just 36 per cent from the floor and 9/27 from deep including Chris Goulding having just four points on 1/9 shooting in 19 minutes.

The JackJumpers improve to 9-11 on the season with the win to stay solid in sixth spot having won four of the last six with their import trio all having strong showings.

Bryce Hamilton was his usual cool self with 18 points, four rebounds and two assists while Tyger Campbell stepped up for 20 points, six boards, three assists, two steals and two blocks on 8/11 shooting.

David Johnson chipped in too with 14 points with Josh Bannan adding 12 points, 12 rebounds and three assists, Will Magnay nine points and 10 boards, and Nick Marshall nine and two rebounds.

Along with Goulding struggles, he wasn’t a lone hand for Melbourne with Milton Doyle shooting 4/12 in his second game against his former team for 13 points with Tyson Walker finishing with 15 points and six assists, and Finn Delany 11 points and three boards.

United's defence struggled without injured rock Shea Ili, who is out until at least the end of next month with his latest hamstring setback.

Campbell's nine points on 4/5 shooting helped Tasmania to an early eight-point advantage and a 22-19 lead at quarter-time.

It was a physical and emotional affair, with JackJumpers coach Scott Roth and the visitors' collective bench issued technical fouls in the second period.

But Tasmania kept their noses in front and then took control with a 23-9 third quarter as Melbourne's shooting woes took a toll.

The margin blew out to as much as 20 points before three-quarter time and the relentless JackJumpers never let up.

The JackJumpers will now be back in action on Boxing Day at home to the New Zealand Breakers while Melbourne hits the road for what is now an intriguing match up with the Brisbane Bullets on Saturday.

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2025/26

MELBOURNE UNITED 73 (Walker 15, Doyle 13, Edwards 13)

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 92 (Campbell 20, Hamilton 18, Johnson 14)

BOX SCORE