Tasmania stars shine against undermanned United

Tasmania has cantered to victory against a severely undermanned Melbourne United on Monday night, in a game where fans earned their first look at exciting new import Jordon Crawford.

United entered the clash with just four rostered players – Brad Newley, Tanner Krebs, Kyle Bowen and Next Star Ariel Hukporti, as well as development players Malith Machar, Zac Triplett and Campbell Blogg, while Tasmania boasted much more experience on the court.

Melbourne was missing Matthew Dellavedova, Ian Clark, Luke Travers, Chris Goulding, Flynn Cameron and Shea Ili, while Jo Lual-Acuil is out longer term. NRP Rob Loe was also absent, while Tanner Krebs did not hit the floor despite travelling with the team.

The JackJumpers were without Marcus Lee, Will Magnay, Walter Brown, Majok Deng and Junior Madut, while Clint Steindl didn't step onto the court, despite being in the game day squad. 

Import Jordon Crawford started the game alongside NBL veterans Fabijan Krslovic and Anthony Drmic, star forward Jack McVeigh and NBL23 All-NBL First Team nominee Milton Doyle, and the JackJumpers surged out to an early lead.

Both teams allowed their players an even split of minutes, and United fill-in player Tom Koppens made the most of his opportunity to play against NBL standard opposition, scoring 13 points.

United tried their best to feed Hukporti in the post, however tight defence from Tasmania’s bigs limited his offensive impact, but couldn't stop him pulling in 13 rebounds and three blocks.

Crawford added 14 points and impressively hit six of seven attempted two-pointers, however it was development player Sean Macdonald who stole the show offensively for Tasmania, with 17 points.

Sandringham Sabres captain Campbell Blogg impressed for Melbourne in the type of high-volume shooting role that’s usually filled by Goulding and showcased his impressive shooting range to lead all scorers for the game, with 18 points and a pair of assists.

North West Tasmania Thunder Joe Chilcott hit the floor for the first time with two minutes to go in the clash, with a raucous ovation from the home crowd.

Melbourne and Tasmania will face off once again on Wednesday night.

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS – 79 (Macdonald 17, Crawford 15, Krslovic 11)
MELBOURNE UNITED – 63 (Blogg 18, Koppens 13, Newley 8)