Melbourne United has emerged victorious against Tasmania Jackjumpers with a score of 88-86 in Hobart, keeping their NBL championship series hopes alive.
NBL Finals
Championship series
Game one: Melbourne United 104, Tasmania Jackjumpers 81Game two: Tasmania Jackjumpers 82, Melbourne United 77Game three: Melbourne United 91, Tasmania Jackjumpers 93Game four: Tasmania Jackjumpers 86, Melbourne United 88
Series tied 2-2
Game five on Sunday March 31 4pm AEDT (John Cain Arena)
This win evens the best-of-five series at 2-2.
The upcoming Game five will be held on Sunday at John Cain Arena in Melbourne.
The Jackjumpers had the opportunity to secure their first title in their third season in the league.
Despite leading in the final minute, the Jackjumpers were surpassed by United with seven seconds remaining. Jack McVeigh’s last-second attempt from halfway fell short.
In their first season in 2022, the Jackjumpers reached the NBL championship series but were defeated 3-0 by the Sydney Kings.
Ian Clark led Melbourne with 18 points, while Luke Travers contributed 11 rebounds and 17 points.
McVeigh was a standout performer for Tasmania with 28 points and seven rebounds following his game-winning shot in game three.
Melbourne held a slim 67-66 lead heading into the final quarter in a closely contested game.
Both teams struggled in the first quarter, with Melbourne shooting just 30% from the field.
Tasmania led 20-17 at the end of the first quarter but fell behind as Melbourne went on a nine-point run early in the second.
Jordon Crawford of the Jackjumpers hit a three-pointer to halt United’s run before Tasmania went on a 10-point streak of their own.
McVeigh had a strong start with 18 points by halftime, while Doyle picked up his game in the third quarter after being scoreless in the first half.
In a back-and-forth third period, Chris Goulding of United hit crucial threes to level the score at 55-55.
ABC/AAP
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