'Other' Bryce jumps Adelaide 36ers on the road

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JackJumpers star import Bryce Hamilton's block on Troy Brown Jnr's three point attempt with three seconds left summed up Tasmania's gritty 80-72 road win against the Adelaide 36ers in Round 16 of NBL26 in Adelaide.

Tasmania held the 36ers to more than 20 points below their season average and to just 27 points at half-time. They were up 40-27 at the main break.

36ers forward Zylan Cheatham missed three put-back opportunities to bring Adelaide to within two with 30 seconds to go but all none dropped after Bryce Cotton's floater rimmed out and the JackJumpers, professional as Scott Roth, closed it out.

JackJumpers 12-13, Adelaide are still rock-solid at the top of the ladder at 19-5.

It's a brutal blow for the Illawarra Hawks and their pursuit on Tasmania and the sixth and final play-in spot.

The defending champions fell short on the road last night (Thursday, January 8) and are 8-14, 3.5 games back with 11 to play. They are not out of it but the hill just got steeper and the margin for error much slimmer.

The game was held up with 17.2 seconds left while two fans were ejected. Josh Bannan was waiting at the free throw line but he iced it, to put the JackJumpers up 78-72.

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Points For and Against Coming into the clash

Adelaide 36ers (23 games)

• Points for: 2,132 ÷ 23 = 92.7 ppg
• Points against: 1,964 ÷ 23 = 85.4 ppg
• Net Rating: +7.3

Tasmania JackJumpers (24 games)

• Points for: 2,059 ÷ 24 = 85.8 ppg
• Points against: 2,049 ÷ 24 = 85.4 ppg
• Net Rating: +0.4

Key Details

• Result: Tasmania JackJumpers 80 def. Adelaide 36ers 72
• When: Thursday, 9th January 2025
• Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Bryce Hamilton (Tasmania JackJumpers) starred with 16 points, three rebounds and one assist in 33 minutes.
• Flynn Cameron (Adelaide 36ers) scored 25 points and had six rebounds and one assist in 28 minutes.

What Happened

The JackJumpers established early control despite a slow start, trailing 16-13 after the opening period before exploding for 27 points in the second quarter to take a commanding 40-27 halftime advantage. Tasmania's balanced offensive attack and superior shooting efficiency proved the difference as they maintained their lead throughout the second half.

Flynn Cameron kept the 36ers competitive with an outstanding shooting display, connecting on 9-from-11 from the field for 25 points. His efficient 81.82% shooting from the field included a perfect 6-from-6 from the charity stripe, but his efforts weren't enough to overcome Tasmania's collective team performance. Bryce Cotton struggled significantly for Adelaide, managing just 15 points on a poor 5-from-18 shooting display.

Bryce Hamilton led Tasmania's balanced scoring attack with 16 points on efficient 7-from-15 shooting from the field. Nick Marshall provided solid support with 13 points and six boards, shooting an impressive 6-from-8 from the field. The JackJumpers' depth was evident as six players scored eight or more points, demonstrating a full team effort that the 36ers couldn't match.

Tasmania's superior shooting was decisive in securing the victory. The JackJumpers shot a solid 51.72% from the field (30-from-58) compared to Adelaide's underwhelming 41.54% (27-from-65). While both teams struggled from downtown - Tasmania shooting 36.84% and Adelaide a poor 26.92% from three-point range - the JackJumpers' dominance inside the arc proved crucial. Tasmania also controlled the boards with 32 rebounds to Adelaide's 36, while both teams committed similar turnover counts.

The JackJumpers' defensive pressure was instrumental in limiting Adelaide's offensive flow. Tasmania forced seven turnovers while recording seven steals and six blocks, disrupting the 36ers' rhythm throughout the contest. Will Magnay's presence in the paint was particularly effective with three swats, while David Johnson contributed two steals in his 21 minutes off the bench.

Offensive Points For (Points Per Game)

1. South East Melbourne Phoenix — 98.9 ppg
2. Melbourne United — 93.8 ppg
3. Sydney Kings — 95.3 ppg
4. Adelaide 36ers — 92.7 ppg
5. Perth Wildcats — 89.1 ppg
6. Tasmania JackJumpers — 85.8 ppg
7. New Zealand Breakers — 87.5 ppg
8. Illawarra Hawks — 90.1 ppg
9. Brisbane Bullets — 84.9 ppg
10. Cairns Taipans — 82.5 ppg