Doyle Turns Villain in Hobart as United Edge JackJumpers in NBL26 Opener

Milton Doyle returned to Hobart as a visitor and left with the win, his late heroics guiding Melbourne United to an 88–84 victory over the Tasmania JackJumpers in the opening game of the NBL26 season.

Twelve months ago, Doyle was the face of Tasmania’s rise, a championship-winning star embraced by a fanbase that prides itself on passion and loyalty. On Thursday night at a sold-out MyState Bank Arena, he was cast in the unfamiliar role of villain, silencing the crowd with 11 points in the final four minutes, including Melbourne’s last seven. His 22-point haul might not have been the most efficient—just seven makes from 21 shots—but the timing of his scoring proved decisive.

The contest was everything the league would have hoped for to launch the new campaign: close, physical, and unpredictable. More than 30 lead changes underscored the intensity. Each side had opportunities to take control, but momentum never stayed in one camp for long. Tasmania’s new-look roster threatened to snatch victory until Doyle imposed himself in the final minute.

United had the balance and depth to support their closer. New import Tyson Walker impressed with 14 points and three steals, while Shea Ili chipped in 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Finn Delany’s 12 points and eight boards provided consistency, and centre Jesse Edwards, in limited minutes, grabbed a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. The rebounding numbers told a key story: United pulled down 14 offensive boards to Tasmania’s seven in the first half, ensuring they always had a chance to keep pace when their shooting cooled.

For Tasmania, there were as many positives as frustrations. New imports Bryce Hamilton and David Johnson immediately looked comfortable at the NBL level. Hamilton poured in 24 points on 11-of-18 shooting, using his athleticism to finish inside and his pace in transition. Johnson was just as dangerous, scoring 22 points to go with 10 rebounds and three three-pointers. Together they shouldered much of the offensive burden, particularly in stretches where United threatened to break away.

Josh Bannan, back in Australia after a strong US college career, added nine points and six rebounds and showed composure from the three-point line, hitting three of his five attempts. Tyger Campbell distributed smartly from the guard spot with four assists, while new captain Will Magnay anchored the defence, contributing six points, five boards, and three blocks. Coach Scott Roth’s side may have fallen short, but the framework for a competitive campaign was evident.

The opening quarter set the tone. Tasmania struck first through Magnay before Hamilton and Johnson found their rhythm. At 18–11, the home side looked in control, only for Melbourne’s experienced core to answer with an 8–0 run capped by three-pointers from Doyle and Delany. United led 23–22 at the break, an early sign the game would ebb and flow.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern. Johnson and Hamilton combined for Tasmania’s first eight points, but Melbourne’s rebounding edge allowed them to stay in touch. Doyle scored on the buzzer against his old side to send United into half-time with a slender 47–46 advantage.

United briefly broke away in the third quarter, a burst of three-pointers from Ili and Tom Wilson helping them to a six-point lead. Roth called a timeout, and Tasmania responded instantly. Nick Marshall’s six straight points levelled the scores, and by three-quarter time it was 66–66, the result still completely open.

The final term brought more drama. Krslovic, another ex-JackJumper, drained a three to put United ahead 75–71, sparking a chorus of boos from the crowd. Tasmania’s answer was immediate: Bannan hit from deep before Hamilton converted in transition off a steal, giving the home side back the lead with less than three minutes left. The arena erupted, sensing a statement victory over one of the league’s powerhouses.

But from there, Doyle seized control. His contested three-pointer in the final minute swung the momentum, and when he stepped to the line for free throws, the boos turned to silence. In the space of 60 seconds, he scored Melbourne’s final seven points, the sort of clutch performance Tasmanian fans had once celebrated.

United coach Dean Vickerman could not have asked for a better start, with his marquee recruit delivering on opening night and his squad showing resilience on the road. For Tasmania, Roth has cause for encouragement despite the sting of defeat. Hamilton and Johnson gave a glimpse of the scoring punch they bring, and with Magnay patrolling the paint and Bannan adjusting quickly to professional life, the JackJumpers appear well-equipped to push for another finals campaign.

The rivalry between these two clubs, still in its infancy, continues to deliver gripping basketball. Last season, they opened the year at HoopsFest in Perth; this time, Hobart staged the drama. The common thread is the closeness of the contests and the sense that these meetings carry more weight than a typical regular-season clash.

Both sides will be back on court before the weekend is out. The JackJumpers travel west to meet the Perth Wildcats at RAC Arena on Saturday night, while United return to Melbourne for their home opener against the New Zealand Breakers at John Cain Arena on Sunday.

For Tasmania, the lessons will be clear: value possession, win the rebounding battle, and find a way to close games against elite opposition. For Melbourne, the takeaway is simpler. With Doyle on the side, they have a closer capable of winning the biggest moments, regardless of venue.

Final score: Melbourne United 88 defeated Tasmania JackJumpers 84.