The Tasmania JackJumpers stand on the brink of securing their inaugural NBL championship victory following a thrilling 93-91 upset against Melbourne United in game three of the Championship Series, courtesy of Jack McVeigh’s clutch three-pointer in the final moments. McVeigh launched a desperation shot from well beyond the three-point line after Matthew Dellavedova’s turnover on an in-bounds pass seconds before the buzzer.
The shot swirled through the net, igniting jubilant celebrations among the traveling Tasmanian JackJumpers fans amidst the packed 10,175-strong crowd at the sold-out John Cain Arena on Sunday.
In the frantic last three-and-a-half minutes, the lead exchanged hands seven times before Jack McVeigh’s decisive shot settled the contest.
McVeigh’s monumental effort, totaling 18 points and 12 rebounds, was pivotal, with Majok Deng (15 points) stepping up admirably in the absence of import center Marcus Lee, who exited with a leg injury.
Contributions from Jordon Crawford and Milton Doyle, each scoring 14 points, complemented Tasmania’s victory, while Melbourne United’s offensive charge was led by Matthew Dellavedova (21 points) and captain Chris Goulding (17 points).
With Tasmania now leading the best-of-five series 2-1, the action shifts back to Hobart for game four on Thursday night. If necessary, a deciding game five is scheduled to take place in Melbourne the following Sunday.
After a slow finish in game two, Melbourne showed their strength early on their home court, establishing a 15-6 lead in the opening minutes, fueled by a three-pointer from Dellavedova following an unsportsmanlike foul by Doyle.
Despite Melbourne’s strong start, the JackJumpers refused to falter, seizing the lead just before halftime with consecutive threes from Doyle, who amassed 11 first-half points, second only to Dellavedova’s 12.
Entering halftime with a narrow 44-43 lead, Melbourne faced adversity when Doyle was sidelined after collecting his third and fourth fouls within the first 80 seconds of the second half.
In a fiery third period, Lee exited with assistance late on, as Goulding’s trio of triples propelled United to a 69-62 advantage heading into the final stretch.
The intensity escalated in the fourth quarter, epitomized by Ariel Hukporti’s emphatic dunk over two defenders, setting the stage for a gripping conclusion that went down to the wire.
