The Tasmania JackJumpers celebrated a dominant Christmas Day victory at home, defeating the New Zealand Breakers 97-82 at MyState Bank Arena.
Jordon Crawford led the charge with 26 points, including six three-pointers, off the bench. The win marks the JackJumpers’ seventh straight triumph, continuing their remarkable turnaround from a 3-8 start to now sitting fourth at 10-8.
Majok Deng stepped up with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Reuben Te Rangi and Milton Doyle contributed solid performances.
Despite a strong first-half showing from the Breaker’s Tacko Fall, who tallied 11 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, the Breakers faltered, struggling with poor shooting from deep (4/23) and the foul line (16/28).
The Breakers, who have now lost eight consecutive games, remained competitive through much of the contest but couldn’t maintain their poise in the closing stages.
Parker Jackson-Cartwright top-scored for the kiwi team with 23 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Tasmania’s efficient shooting, including 12/27 from beyond the arc. JackJumpers coach Scott Roth praised his team’s resilience, while Breakers coach Petteri Koponen lamented familiar late-game struggles.
Tasmania now prepares to host the Brisbane Bullets on Sunday, while New Zealand will look to end their slide on New Year’s Eve against the Cairns Taipans.
