Campbell, Bannan Lead JackJumpers Past Kings in Homecoming Win

Tasmania JackJumpers returned to Hobart and delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, taking down the Sydney Kings 86–70 in front of a fired-up MyState Bank Arena crowd.

It had been a full month since the JackJumpers last played at home — a narrow opening-night loss to Melbourne United — but Scott Roth’s side looked refreshed, focused, and ruthless from the opening tip. Tyger Campbell and Josh Bannan led the way as Tasmania controlled the contest from start to finish, improving to 4–2 in the Ignite Cup.

The JackJumpers wasted no time seizing momentum, opening the game with an 8–0 burst as Nick Marshall and Campbell lit up the scoreboard early. By quarter-time, they were up 29–19 behind 6-of-12 shooting from three-point range, with Campbell connecting on his first three attempts from deep.

Tasmania’s confidence only grew in the second quarter. Ben Ayre knocked down back-to-back triples to maintain the buffer, and when Campbell buried his fourth three just before halftime, the home side had reeled off 11 unanswered points to lead 50–32. The Kings — coming off a commanding win in Adelaide — looked stunned.

Campbell continued to torment Sydney, finishing with 21 points, five assists, and 5-of-9 from beyond the arc in one of his best outings in JackJumpers colours. Bannan was everywhere, tallying 18 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists in a complete two-way performance that underlined his rapid rise as one of the league’s most reliable forwards. Ayre chipped in 13 points and provided composure in crunch moments.

Even the ejection of captain Will Magnay late in the third quarter couldn’t halt Tasmania’s momentum. The big man picked up a second technical after an earlier unsportsmanlike, but by that stage the JackJumpers were up 19 — and the Kings never recovered.

Sydney briefly threatened early in the final period, opening with eight straight points to trim the deficit, but their offence soon sputtered again. The Kings shot just 43 per cent from the field and earned only 12 free-throw attempts, failing to generate the same fluidity that saw them dominate Adelaide days earlier.

Jaylin Galloway top-scored for Sydney with 13 points, while Xavier Cooks and Tim Soares each added 12. Kendric Davis endured a rough night, going just 4-of-17 from the field for 10 points under relentless pressure from Tasmania’s guards.

The win was built on defence and discipline. Tasmania forced Sydney into rushed possessions, cleaned the glass, and dictated tempo. The home fans roared approval as Campbell’s fifth triple extended the margin to 19 early in the third — a cushion that never really looked in danger.

For Roth’s group, it was the kind of measured, composed victory that defines genuine contenders. The JackJumpers have now won four of their last five and continue to prove that their defence travels — and their depth is built for the long haul.

Tasmania now head across the Tasman for a quick turnaround clash with the New Zealand Breakers on Friday night, while Sydney will regroup before hosting the Perth Wildcats on Sunday at Qudos Bank Arena.

Final score: Tasmania JackJumpers 86 defeated Sydney Kings 70.