United Out to Break JackJumpers Curse

Friday, January 6, 2023

Melbourne United are looking to change their fortunes against the JackJumpers ahead of Saturday night’s game in Tasmania.

Tasmania eliminated Melbourne from last season’s finals series, while the JackJumpers have won six of their past seven meetings against United.

Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman said the team is determined to show up in front of Tasmania’s always fiery home crowd and fight until the end as they chase a finals spot.

“There’s a little bit of hurt there,” Vickerman said.

“Tassie challenge you in how relentless they are in the effort areas, and their ability to make you turn the ball over, their ability to rebound the basketball on both ends of the floor. If you don’t match that or handle that area they’re tough.

“We feel good about going down there and playing the right way.

“They’re a top four team right now and to go down there and get a win will take us great discipline.”

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Guard Shea Ili will be a major piece in United’s puzzle on Saturday and he is content with how the team is preparing for the game.

Melbourne sits eighth on the ladder with a 10-12 record and six regular season games to go.

“(Energy) is pretty good, we’re desperate to get this win on the road, we know we need to string a few wins together to fight for that last spot,” Ili said.

“We know what our task is and that’s to get to the final four, we’re determined to come together and be great in these last six games.

“Last year was tough to go down to Tassie and to lose the second game of the semi-finals and then come home to lose again. We’re going to try and get going there.

“We’re looking to head into their home and get a dub.”

Tip-off between United and the JackJumpers on Saturday night is 5:30pm AEDT at MyState Bank Arena.