South East Melbourne Phoenix Survive Late Tasmania JackJumpers Push to Claim One-point Win

The Tasmania JackJumpers produced their best offensive outing in Launceston but fell just short, with the South East Melbourne Phoenix holding on for a dramatic 103–102 victory on Thursday night.

Tasmania came into the clash after managing only 69 points in a loss to Cairns, yet rediscovered their scoring touch early, piling on 61 points by half-time at The Silverdome.

Despite the JackJumpers’ surge, the Phoenix thrived in the high tempo, with Nathan Sobey and Malique Lewis combining for 51 points and shooting an incredible 10-of-15 from beyond the arc.

Bryce Hamilton was outstanding for the home side, finishing with 36 points, eight rebounds, and five assists on 16-of-23 shooting. He dragged his team back from a five-point deficit in the final minute but couldn’t find space for a match-winning look.

After forcing a turnover from Sobey on the in-bound, Hamilton pushed the ball up the court but was forced to kick to Ben Ayre, whose three-point attempt rimmed out as time expired.

In a tense finish, Phoenix coach Josh King’s attempt to console Ayre on the sideline was brushed away by the JackJumpers guard, who was visibly frustrated by the narrow defeat.

Sobey led the way for South East Melbourne with 28 points, four assists, and three steals, while Lewis continued his hot form with 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting, including five triples.

Owen Foxwell made big plays on both ends with 15 points, five steals, four rebounds, and four assists, and John Brown III dominated the glass, finishing with 10 points, 14 rebounds (eight offensive), and four steals.

New import Wes Iwundu added 11 points in 20 minutes and was a +15 off the bench as the Phoenix made it five straight wins.

Despite the loss, Tasmania’s offence was far more fluid. The JackJumpers shot 73 per cent in the first half and 53 per cent overall, with Majok Deng adding 17 points, six rebounds, and three steals, and Josh Bannan posting a double-double of 15 points and 10 boards.

The defeat marks Tasmania’s third straight loss and seventh in nine games at Launceston, while the Phoenix keep their momentum rolling heading into Saturday’s Throwdown against Melbourne United. The JackJumpers return home to face the Brisbane Bullets at MyState Bank Arena.

Final score: Tasmania JackJumpers 102 defeated by South East Melbourne Phoenix 103.