Magnay's double-double powers JJs to win

Big man Will Magnay delivered a dominant double-double to lead the Tasmania JackJumpers to their fourth consecutive win, rolling Cairns Taipans 99-90 (Game Centre) in Round 11 of the NBL at MyState Bank Arena.

Magnay’s was a beast on both sides of the ball, especially on the offensive glass, and proved the difference in a hard-fought game against the languishing Taipans.

Magnay, who played for the Boomers at the Olympics in Paris, was instrumental for Tasmania. He finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds (nine offensive), two assists, two steals, and two blocks. His defensive presence was never more important than a late-game block that was upheld after a successful coach’s challenge by Scott Roth.

"We're doing a good job just building game to game," Magnay said.

"We're going to practice and trying to clean up what we're not doing well.

"We probably turned over the ball a bit too much in the first half. We're still yet to put 40 minutes together … that's been a challenge for us all year."

The JackJumpers started strong, opening on a 7-0 run, but Cairns fought back to hold 54-52 halftime lead.

Taran Armstrong, playing in his home state, led the Taipans’ first-half surge with 15 points, while Sam Waardenburg and Tanner Groves played solid roles. Tasmania’s defense, which allowed 54 points in the first half, tightened up after the break, to regain control.

Tasmania led by two, 75-73 entering the fourth quarter, where Magnay asserted his authority. His presence on the offensive glass led to crucial second-chance points, and his defensive work helped limit Cairns’ opportunities in the closing minutes.

Key threes by Sean Macdonald and Anthony Drmic sealed the win.

The JackJumpers also benefited from solid performances from Milton Doyle (21 points, eight assists), Majok Deng (17 points, six rebounds, three assists), and Macdonald (14 points, six rebounds). Drmic added 10 points, including that decisive late three-pointer.

For the Taipans, Armstrong delivered a career-best 29 points along with three rebounds and three assists. Waardenburg scored 19 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished six assists, while Groves added 19 points, five steals, and four boards.

Taipans coach Adam Forde saw areas for improvement, particularly in the final quarter.

"We've got some things we need to fix, especially in the fourth quarter," Forde said.

"We had some really good looks that didn't drop for us, and at the other end, they capitalised on every offensive rebound.

"We gave up 16 points in the last five minutes of basketball—that's pretty disappointing."

With the win, Tasmania improved to 7-8, continuing to build momentum into the second half of the season.