Magette Shines as JackJumpers End Blitz with Big Win

The Tasmania JackJumpers took their travelling roadshow down to Launceston to close their NBL Blitz and responded strongly to a loss last up to beat the Cairns Taipans for a second time as they gear up to now debut in the league in a week's time.

With their import trio of Josh Magette, Josh Adams and Mikyle McIntosh showing the way and combining for 59 points, six rebounds, six assists and four steals on shooting 14/28 from the field, 7/15 from three and 9/12 from the foul line, they led the JackJumpers to the 83-68 win.

It was an impressive showing from Tasmania at Elphin Sports Centre especially given they were coming off a last up loss by 30 points to the Perth Wildcats and were still minus captain Clint Steindl with a finger injury.

The result means that the JackJumpers take two wins from five games at the NBL Blitz as they now prepare to open the season proper next Friday at home to Brisbane.

While the Taipans lost their fifth consecutive game at the Blitz under new coach Adam Forde, the Snakes were without starting backcourt Scott Machado and Mirko Djeric, and would have taken heart from the contest with all 10 players contributing and playing at least 10 minutes.

It was an encouraging performance in a lot of ways, though, from the JackJumpers as they bounced back impressively from the loss to Perth two days ago.

It was the import trio who were the standouts for Tasmania too with Josh Magette the shining star delivering 26 points, six assists, three steals and two rebounds. His composure and ability to make plays and then hit shots whether it's going to the hoop, the mid-range or from deep was especially impressive.

McIntosh also had his best showing at the Blitz for the JackJumpers with 18 points and two rebounds including hitting a scorching 4/5 from three-point territory. Adams then put up 15 points and two rebounds as well to round out the outings from the trio.

Will Magnay got another hit out under his belt playing almost 23 minutes for six points, nine rebounds, four blocks and three assists with Sam McDaniel adding six points and four boards.

While everyone played at least 10 minutes for Cairns, nobody played more than 29 with rookie Bul Kuol continuing to impress in his 28 minutes with another eight points and three assists.

It was Kouat Noi who top-scored, though, with 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals with Stephen Zimmerman delivering a fifth straight strong showing at the Blitz with another 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists.

Majok Deng is looking tremendous ahead of the new season and had another 10 points, three rebounds and two assists with Nate Jawai looking sharp too contributing nine points and two boards.

Tahjere McCall finished with seven points, five assists and four rebounds, new development player Brayden Inger six points, Jordan Ngatai three points and Keanu Pinder two points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

The game was the last for both clubs at the NBL Blitz with the JackJumpers now turning their attention to opening the season proper at home next Friday night against the Brisbane Bullets.

The Taipans begin their campaign on the road next Sunday in Perth against the Wildcats.

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL BLITZ

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 83 (Magette 26, McIntosh 18, Adams 15) 

CAIRNS TAIPANS 68 (Noi 12, Zimmerman 11, Deng 10)

BOX SCORE