JackJumpers win first NBL title in epic decider

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth has hailed his blue-collar team's guts and resilience after a remarkable 83-81 road win over Melbourne United sealed a maiden title for the NBL's newest franchise.

American guard Jordon Crawford (32 points) produced a historically great scoring performance to help the JackJumpers claw their way to the crown in a gripping battle in front of 10,175 fans at John Cain Arena on Sunday.

The best-of-five series fittingly went down to the final possession as Melbourne guard Matthew Dellavedova's desperate attempt at a game-winner from long range hit the backboard and missed.

JackJumpers and trophy
JackJumpers players and staff let their emotions show after claiming their first NBL title.

Heart-and-soul Tasmania leader Jack McVeigh was awarded the Larry Sengstock Trophy as MVP of one of the toughest NBL Championship Series in history.

The victory sealed a 3-2 series win for the JackJumpers, who were thumped by 23 points in Melbourne in game one but recovered to win twice on their opponents' home floor to clinch the result.

"The last four games really came down to a few possessions here and there, and our guys stayed resilient when it looked like they might throw a knockout punch," Roth said.

"We just kept grinding away and I can't be more proud of this group. That was the trait throughout the season.

"We had an anomaly in that first game when we travelled back from Perth and were maybe a little fatigued, and they smacked us pretty good.

"It was the leadership from our captains and more importantly the poise that we have, knowing that we've done the work all season."

Melbourne entered the Finals series as favourites after topping the regular-season ladder with a 20-8 record, but fine margins ultimately went against them.

"We challenged for a championship and we all just want one or two possessions back," United coach Dean Vickerman said.

"What an amazing series we were a part of and I'm sure we'll reflect on that once we get over actually losing the tight game that we were in."

Crawford endured a roller-coaster Championship Series but dominated an explosive opening to game five, scoring 19 points on perfect shooting in the first period to keep Tasmania in the contest early.

Jordon Crawford (left) and Matthew Dellavedova.
Jordon Crawford of the JackJumpers (left) tries to get past Melbourne's Matthew Dellavedova.

The American point-guard had 27 points by halftime and overcame a quiet third period to finish with a series-high tally of 32 points.

It was the equal-third most scored by any player in a title-series game during the 40-minute game era, which dates back to 2009.

"He was huge. He kept the scoreboard ticking over for us and he was aggressive," Roth said.

"We've been harping on about him taking quality shots and being patient, because he wants to try to knock you out every single time he has the ball in hand.

"We're trying to rein him back just a tad and he came up big in this game."

Jack McVeigh
Jack McVeigh was awarded the Larry Sengstock Trophy as MVP of the Championship Series.

McVeigh (14 points, eight rebounds), Will Magnay (11, 12) and Milton Doyle (11,10) were all crucial contributors for Tasmania in game five.

Each of Melbourne's five starters scored in double figures, led by Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (14 points), Chris Goulding, Luke Travers and Dellavedova (13 each).

Goulding finished the series on one leg, as did Magnay, as the brutality of the battle took its toll.

Tasmania's first championship came after they lost a title decider against the Sydney Kings two years ago in their debut season.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store