JackJumpers Edge Undermanned Bullets in Brisbane Thriller

The Tasmania JackJumpers survived a fierce challenge from a depleted Brisbane Bullets side to claim an 84–82 victory at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Saturday night, extending their winning streak to three.

In a game that swung back and forth from the outset, the JackJumpers needed every ounce of composure to overcome a brave Brisbane outfit missing four key players — Casey Prather (concussion), Javon Freeman-Liberty (ankle), Mitch Norton (knee), and Sam McDaniel (ankle). The lead changed 17 times before captain Will Magnay’s dunk with 33 seconds remaining proved the difference.

Magnay, playing against his former club, threw down the decisive slam to give Tasmania an 83–82 edge. At the other end, Brisbane looked set to snatch victory when Jaylen Adams pulled down a crucial offensive rebound and found Tyrell Harrison under the basket. But as Harrison powered to the rim, he collided with Magnay — the referees ruled a charge, cancelling the basket and fouling Harrison out of the game. It was a heartbreaking finish for the Bullets, whose effort deserved more than another narrow defeat.

For Tasmania, it was a night dominated by their frontcourt. Former Bullets big men Josh Bannan and Magnay combined for 36 points and 23 rebounds against their old team. Bannan was outstanding, finishing with 23 points and 15 boards, while Magnay delivered 13 points, eight rebounds, and three steals, along with the crucial defensive play in the final seconds.

Newly signed import TJ Starks made an instant impact in his NBL debut, providing 18 points off the bench and sparking Tasmania’s fourth-quarter surge. Bryce Hamilton added 10 points as the JackJumpers overcame an eight-point deficit at three-quarter time to snatch the win, their third consecutive road victory.

The Bullets, despite missing half their starting lineup, played with spirit and purpose. Adams led the way with 19 points and seven assists, controlling tempo and keeping his side in it until the final play. Taine Murray embraced his expanded role, scoring 17 points on 3-of-5 shooting from deep, while Alex Ducas added 12. Tohi Smith-Milner fought hard inside with seven points and 10 rebounds, and Harrison contributed eight and seven before fouling out.

Brisbane’s energy was outstanding early. After falling behind 20–14, they responded with a 12–2 run either side of quarter-time to seize the lead. Their guards, Adams and Murray, combined for 24 first-half points as the Bullets took a 45–42 advantage into halftime. The JackJumpers dominated the boards 24–13 in that stretch but struggled to contain Brisbane’s penetration.

Tasmania’s control on the glass continued to tell as the game wore on, and when Starks caught fire in the final term, the momentum shifted. His aggression attacking the rim and Bannan’s poise under pressure steadied the JackJumpers just when the Bullets seemed ready to break away.

Scott Roth’s team remains one of the early stories of NBL26 — battle-tested, unflappable, and now sitting 3–1 despite starting the season with four straight road games. Brisbane, meanwhile, continues to fight through adversity, their depth tested but their resolve intact.

The Bullets now travel to Wollongong to face the defending champion Illawarra Hawks next Saturday, while the JackJumpers complete their extended road stretch on Thursday against the Adelaide 36ers.

Final score: Tasmania JackJumpers 84 defeated Brisbane Bullets 82.