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Sep
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Tasmania grinds out banner night upset over Illawarra
Tyger Campbell and Will Magnay of the Jackjumpers celebrate victory during the round two NBL match between Illawarra Hawks and Tasmania Jackjumpers at WIN Entertainment Centre on September 27, 2025 in Wollongong. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
Highlights
Tasmania spoiled Illawarra’s banner night as Bryce Hamilton and Tyger Campbell outdueled JaVale McGe
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Tasmania JackJumpers Bryce Hamilton and Tyger Campbell spoiled the Illawarra Hawks championship banner night — as well as NBA champion JaVale McGee's NBL debut — 91-86 at WIN Entertainment Centre in Round 2 of NBL26.
The Hawks raised their NBL25 banner prior to the tip off of their first game of the season but a night that started with a celebration ended in a five-point loss to the 2024 NBL champions.
"First, I told (Justin Tatum) I didn’t get a chance to see him at the end of last year — congratulations on this evening," JackJumpers head coach Scott Roth said.
"It’s great to have another small-market team win a championship. Kudos to them. I know how difficult it is to come back and play after traveling and everything they did, so the timing was good for us with where they were at. But give our guys a ton of credit for grinding.
"My guy (Brisbane Lions AFL coach) Chris Fagan — man, a Tassie gentleman at the highest level. What he’s done is spectacular. I talk a lot with Craig Bellamy too — shout out to both after their wins the other night, especially Chris. A Tassie-born guy who’s all about the right things.
"Across the board, guys chipped in where needed. The game was at a pace we like — kind of a grinder. I told the guys there will be a ton of games decided in the last three or four minutes.
"The more disciplined team that executes a little better gives itself the best chance. On the road, it’s always difficult; you stay humble, get the win, and move on. Some guys picked up extra work, and I thought Tyger was fantastic controlling the tempo and playing smart."
Hamilton finished with 21 points, six rebounds, three assists and a couple of steals in 34 minutes while Campbell had 17 points, four rebounds and four assists in 36 minutes.
McGee, 37, was outstanding. He had 32 points, 13 boards, two steals and three blocks.
"JaVale played well," Hawks head coach Justin Tatum said.
"He’s a 16–17-year NBA professional. He knows the pace of the game, how to pace his body, where his spots are.
"His effort — like everybody else’s — was solid but could have been better.
"(We're) not where I wanted to be — definitely not where I wanted to be.
"We could have given a better effort shutting down some of those offensive rebounds. Our offence was stagnant at times.
"I felt the crowd deserved a better effort from us to find a way to get a win on banner drop night."
Key Details
- Result: Tasmania JackJumpers 91 def. Illawarra Hawks 86
- When: September 27, 2025
- Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
By the Numbers
- Bryce Hamilton (Tasmania JackJumpers) starred with 21 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals in 34 minutes.
- JaVale McGee (Illawarra Hawks) scored 32 points, and had 13 rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks in 30 minutes.
What Happened
The game started evenly with both teams tied at 21 after the first quarter. The JackJumpers seized control in the second period, outscoring the Hawks 28-24 to take a 49-45 lead into halftime. Tasmania extended their advantage in the third quarter with a 20-16 run, building a 69-61 cushion heading into the final frame.
Despite a spirited comeback attempt from Illawarra, who won the fourth quarter 25-22, the JackJumpers maintained their composure to secure the five-point victory. Tasmania established their largest lead of the night at five points during a crucial 11-0 scoring run that turned the tide in their favour.
JaVale McGee was dominant for the Hawks with 32 points on efficient 15-from-20 shooting and 13 rebounds, including three offensive boards. His three blocks anchored Illawarra's interior defence, but it wasn't enough to overcome Tasmania's balanced attack. Tyler Harvey added 19 points for the home side but struggled from long range, connecting on just one of six attempts from beyond the arc.
The JackJumpers' victory was fuelled by balanced scoring and superior three-point shooting. Tasmania hit 11 triples compared to Illawarra's six, creating a 15-point advantage from outside. Bryce Hamilton led the way with 21 points, while Tyger Campbell contributed 17 points with three three-pointers. Majok Deng provided valuable production off the bench with 14 points in 23 minutes, including five made free throws.
Tasmania's ball security proved crucial, committing just nine turnovers to Illawarra's 11. The JackJumpers also capitalised at the charity stripe, attempting 27 free throws to the Hawks' 12. Although both teams collected 43 rebounds, Tasmania's 16 offensive boards led to crucial second-chance opportunities that helped secure the win.
