'I'm concerned about it': the worrying trend that could hold JackJumpers back
Updated 2 days ago by Ryan Bentley
A thorn in the side of the Tasmania JackJumpers this season has yet again given them trouble.
Before their Boxing Day clash with the New Zealand Breakers, coach Scott Roth cited their struggles against the outfit from across the ditch.
They had lost their two previous games against them by 17 and 13 points.
While it was a better showing on Thursday night, the JackJumpers still went down 81-80 in overtime.
"It was a hell of a game. It was good to be in, it was a battle and it was obviously back and forth and physical and the whole nine yards," Roth said.
"There were some just crazy turnovers, just unforced, self-inflicted wounds that led to some bad decisions and bad turnovers.
"And then we fell in love with the three-point line and didn't attack the rim enough and, we're not necessarily a three-point shooting team - that's not how we're built."
US import Bryce Hamilton once again shouldered the offensive load for the Jackies, scoring 23 points on eight of 23 shooting and Nick Marshall continued to show signs of improvement, netting 15 points on the night.
Marshall's role within the side has increased throughout his first season with the club and Roth has loved his versatility.
"He's a glue guy that can play multiple positions, guard multiple positions, and he's just got a really good motor," he said.
"Thank God for him in the first five or six minutes because we would have been in a bigger hole than we actually got ourselves into."
Aside from their struggles against the Breakers, another worrying record has emerged this season for Tasmania.
Their win-loss record at home is just 2-8. For comparison, Tasmania's home record in their championship season was 11-7.
"I'm concerned about [our home record] but it's kind of over with at this point, right? We're two and eight. So, it's not going to get much better other than if we can try to get the break .500, but I don't know, there's only 10 or 11 games left. So, it is what it is," Roth said
"I guess maybe we should play on the road more at the end of the day, but we haven't done well at home.
"Ultimately, as long as I've been around, you have to have a winning record at home and some consistency at home to actually do anything and get into the playoffs.
"That's where you you build your momentum and we haven't been able to do that."
Tasmania will not have long to dwell on results with three games in the next week.
Their next match is at home again, they will face the South-East Melbourne Phoenix on December 29 at 7.30pm.
Roth compares himself to Santa, JackJumpers react to outdoor basketball game
December 24: Playing basketball outdoors is usually reserved for schoolkids at lunch time, but on Tuesday night, the Tasmania JackJumpers got a taste of the elements in the NBL.
Melbourne United hosted the JackJumpers under the twilight sky at John Cain Arena, the retractable roof opened up, making for a unique setting.
Despite the unusual conditions, Tasmania got the comfortable win, defeating United 92-73.
Coach Scott Roth was a little sceptical of it going in but ultimately he enjoyed the experience and tactically it was no different to a regular NBL game.
"Last year they opened it for the fireworks, you don't know the weather here, so that was just my thing with it whether it was going to happen or not," Roth said.
"It's great for the fans and it's great to be playing in - I coached one in the NBA, a completely open-air game."
The NBA game Roth referred to was a 2009 pre-season game, where he was an assistant at the Golden State Warriors as they took on the Phoenix Suns at Indian Wells Tennis Centre.
Import Tyger Campbell starred on Tuesday night, shooting an efficient eight of 11 from the field to net himself 20 points.
He also delivered on the defensive end, grabbing two blocks and two steals.
"It was amazing. It got a little cold in the second half, but I think that combined with the lights, I haven't experienced anything like that in my professional career," Campbell said.
Roth was not as bothered by the temperature.
"No, I'm fat. I have a lot of insulation like my friend Santa Claus, so it's going to take a lot more than that to give me a cold," he said with a laugh.
Sitting at a win-loss record of 9-11, it has been a rollercoaster start to the season, but Roth believes his team - the youngest in the NBL - is "trending in the right way".
"There's a growth period for the three imports that have never played over here...[having them] trying to find their way in our system it's not been easy," he said.
"I think just the growth we have is exciting for us and we continue to stack days, that's all we've talked about.
"We don't talk about anything other than 'can we just win a day?' And then we move on to the next day."
The JackJumpers will be back at home for their next game, taking on the New Zealand Breakers at 7.30pm on Boxing Day at MyState Bank Arena.