Northern Force 99 – 94 Hobart Chargers | NBL1 South | 30 May 2026

The Northern Force edged the Hobart Chargers 99–94 in a hard‑fought NBL1 South contest that saw the lead change hands multiple times. Playing in front of a spirited home crowd in Darwin, the Force used a balanced attack and a strong fourth‑quarter defensive stand to secure their third straight win.

First Half Battle

Both teams came out with high energy, trading baskets in a fast‑paced opening quarter. Hobart’s outside shooting kept them in the game, while Northern relied on their size advantage in the paint. The first half ended with the Chargers holding a slim 50–48 lead, thanks to a buzzer‑beating three from guard Matt Johns.

Turning Point: Fourth Quarter Defense

The third quarter was a back‑and‑forth affair, with neither side able to pull away. Entering the final period tied at 76, Northern Force tightened their defense. They held Hobart to just 18 points in the fourth quarter while forcing four turnovers. The crucial stretch came with four minutes left, when a steal by point guard Josh Kilburn led to a fast‑break dunk that put the Force up by five – a lead they never relinquished.

Standout Players

Northern Force: Forward Daniel Jacobs delivered a dominant performance with 24 points and 14 rebounds, controlling the glass on both ends. Shooting guard Ryan Foster added 18 points, including two vital three‑pointers in the final frame.

Hobart Chargers: Center Sam Grant recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort. Guard Matt Johns chipped in 19 points and 7 assists, but his team’s 37% shooting in the fourth quarter proved fatal.

What This Means

The win lifts Northern Force to a 8‑6 record, strengthening their position in the top half of the NBL1 South ladder. Hobart falls to 6‑8, needing to rediscover the consistency that saw them make a playoff push last season. For now, the Force’s ability to close out tight games is becoming a hallmark of their season.