Sixers Overcome 21-point Deficit to Beat JackJumpers

The Adelaide 36ers took the best shot from the Tasmania JackJumpers and Will Magnay in the first half to finish impressively and overcome a 21-point deficit early to win 82-80 on Sunday at the NBL Blitz.

It was all the JackJumpers in the first half on Sunday afternoon to close the double-header at Ulverstone Sports and Leisure Centre as they thrilled their home fans just two weeks out from the official opening of the #NBL22 season.

Coming off their first ever win against the Cairns Taipans, the JackJumpers kept the momentum going to go on a 12-0 run early in the first quarter, and then to close with a 14-2 streak as well to go into quarter-time with a dominant 33-12 advantage.

The game saw former NBA big man Will Magnay make his first appearance for the JackJumpers and based on the first half performance he delivered, he's ready to take the NBL by storm again this season.

In just 13 minutes of court time, he was a nightmare for the 36ers and produced 11 points, four rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots on the back of shooting a perfect 5/5 from the field and knocking down a three-pointer.

His shooting touch and moves around the basket were a treat to watch and an ominous warning to rival big men around the league, and on the back of his performance with help from captain Clint Steindl and imports Josh Magette and Josh Adams, the JackJumpers were still in control leading 50-33 at the half.

However, the 36ers had the confidence from winning their opening two matches at the Blitz against the Cairns Taipans and Perth Wildcats, and came out a different looking outfit in the second half.

While there's no doubt Magnay not being out there after half-time for Tasmania was significant too, Adelaide worked back into the contest nicely and the longer the game went, the fewer answers the JackJumpers had especially for six-time Adelaide MVP Daniel Johnson.

The Sixers dominated the third quarter to close the gap to six at three quarter-time and after some big buckets from Johnson, Isaac Humphries and Dusty Hannahs, it was Next Star Mojave King who delivered the killer blows for the 36ers.

Looking ready to shine at his second club this season, King knocked down a pair of crucial three-pointers late and then finished a strong move to the bucket, and ultimately that was enough to seal the Adelaide fightback to keep them undefeated at the Blitz with the 82-80 victory.

Dusty Hannahs looks to be fitting in seamlessly ahead of his debut NBL season and the backcourt of him running the ship alongside captain Mitch McCarron for Adelaide is going to be quite the double act.

Hannahs delivered 19 points, four assists and three rebounds on a composed and efficient 5/7 shooting form the field, 2/4 from deep and 7/9 at the free-throw line.

Johnson might be tough to beat for a seventh club MVP title based on his Blitz form and he had another 17 points on 6/9 shooting while Mojave King was impressive with 13 points and four assists including going 3/5 from downtown.

Isaac Humphries was good too with 11 points and six rebounds while captain McCarron dished out 12 assists.

On top of what Will Magnay produced in the first half for the JackJumpers, captain Clint Steindl top-scored with 17 points and Jack McVeigh had 11 points up against his former team.

Imports Josh Magette (14 points, eight assists) and Josh Adams (10 points, three assists) showed plenty of good signs again too including hitting a combined 7/16 from beyond the three-point line.

The 36ers are next in action on Friday night against the Perth Wildcats but before that it will be the JackJumpers taking on that team from out west on Wednesday evening.

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL BLITZ

ADELAIDE 36ERS 82 (Hannahs 19, Johnson 17, King 13)

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 80 (Steindl 17, Magette 14, McVeigh 11, Magnay 11) 

BOX SCORE