The Tasmania JackJumpers secured a hard-fought 96-91 National Basketball League victory over the South East Melbourne Phoenix at MyState Bank Arena on Monday, September 21, 2026. In a game that tipped off at 5:30 pm local time, the JackJumpers built an early cushion, absorbed a determined Phoenix comeback, and made the decisive plays down the stretch to close out a five-point win.

The result gives Tasmania an important home-court win in the early NBL season and adds another tight chapter to the growing rivalry between the JackJumpers and Phoenix. South East Melbourne pushed the game into a one-possession contest inside the final minute, but the home side’s poise at the free-throw line and a key defensive stand sealed the 96-91 final score.

Match Overview

Tasmania started with better rhythm on both ends, moving the ball quickly and using their size around the rim to force South East Melbourne into contested shots. The JackJumpers led 24-22 after the first quarter and extended the advantage to 47-41 by halftime. The Phoenix responded after the main break, winning the third quarter 27-25, but Tasmania’s 24-23 edge in the final period proved enough to protect the result.

• First quarter: Tasmania JackJumpers 24-22 South East Melbourne Phoenix
• Second quarter: Tasmania JackJumpers 23-19 South East Melbourne Phoenix
• Halftime: Tasmania JackJumpers 47-41 South East Melbourne Phoenix
• Third quarter: South East Melbourne Phoenix 27-25 Tasmania JackJumpers
• Fourth quarter: Tasmania JackJumpers 24-23 South East Melbourne Phoenix
• Final score: Tasmania JackJumpers 96, South East Melbourne Phoenix 91

How the JackJumpers Built the Win

Tasmania’s best basketball came in the first half, when they controlled the defensive glass and turned stops into quick offense. The JackJumpers consistently attacked the paint, drawing help defense and creating open looks on the perimeter. Their ball movement was sharp enough to produce 22 assists for the game, and they finished with a 42-36 rebounding advantage, including 14 second-chance points.

Milton Doyle set the tone for the home side, scoring a game-high 24 points to go with six rebounds and five assists. Jack McVeigh added 18 points and seven rebounds, while Will Magnay was a major presence inside with 14 points, eight rebounds, and three blocked shots. Jordon Crawford gave Tasmania a valuable spark off the bench with 11 points and four assists.

The JackJumpers were especially effective when they played through the high post and forced South East Melbourne’s big men to make decisions. That approach opened up cutters along the baseline and created clean catch-and-shoot chances from the wings. Tasmania shot 10-of-28 from three-point range, but it was their 20-of-24 free-throw shooting that made the difference in a close game.

Phoenix Fightback and Key Moments

South East Melbourne refused to go away. Trailing by as many as 11 points in the third quarter, the Phoenix trimmed the margin behind Mitch Creek’s aggressive scoring and Nathan Sobey’s shot creation. Creek finished with 23 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, while Sobey added 18 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Jordan Hunter contributed 12 points and eight rebounds, and Matt Kenyon chipped in nine points from the bench.

The Phoenix cut the deficit to 78-77 early in the fourth quarter, forcing Tasmania into a timeout. Out of that break, the JackJumpers responded with an 8-0 run that swung momentum back their way. Doyle hit a step-back three, McVeigh connected from the corner, and Magnay erased a Phoenix layup attempt with a loud block that brought the home crowd to its feet.

Still, South East Melbourne had one last run. A Creek three-pointer made it 94-91 with under 30 seconds remaining, and the Phoenix had a chance to force a stop. Tasmania fouled smartly, then iced the game at the line. The final possession ended with a contested Phoenix three that rimmed out, allowing the JackJumpers to run out the clock.

Tactical Story

The game was decided in the margins: rebounding, turnovers, and free throws. Tasmania won the rebound battle, forced 13 Phoenix turnovers, and converted those mistakes into 16 points. South East Melbourne stayed close by shooting 11-of-34 from beyond the arc and getting 34 points in the paint, but they could not consistently keep the JackJumpers off the offensive glass.

Tasmania’s defensive versatility also stood out. The JackJumpers switched frequently on screens, using their athletic wings to disrupt South East Melbourne’s pick-and-roll rhythm. When the Phoenix tried to isolate Creek in the post, Tasmania sent timely double-teams and forced the ball out of his hands. On offense, the JackJumpers leaned on