Chris Goulding return not enough for United

• Tasmania JackJumpers beat Melbourne United 97-91 in a fourth quarter thriller
• United have now lost four straight
• Melbourne's Chris Goulding back with 18 points on 5-from-11

Australian Boomer Chris Goulding was but it wasn't enough to stop Melbourne United's three-game losing skid.

The Tasmania JackJumpers fought off a hard-finishing United 97-91 (Game Centre) in a thrilling Round 13 clash in a pack-house faux open air John Cain Arena on Monday, December 23, 2024.

The roof was supposed to be open but Melbourne weather struck. It was only opened at half-time for a fireworks display.

The loss dealt another significant blow to Melbourne United's championship aspirations. They are now 12-8 but the teams around them have games in hand: Illawarra Hawks (4); Sydney Kings (2) and Tasmania (3).

The JackJumpers moved a game above .500 and are now 9-8. Tasmania, playing its first game without the injured Will Magnay, have well and truly reignited its championship defence.

Tasmania benefitted from a balanced scoring attack and clutch shooting down the stretch, overcoming a spirited Melbourne comeback to secure a crucial victory that could have major implications for the NBL playoff race.

The match began with both teams trading blows (literally), neither able to gain a significant advantage in the early going.

Melbourne's Chris Goulding came out firing, knocking down a three and getting fouled on another, making all three free throws. but the JackJumpers responded with their own long-range assault, with Clint Steindl perfect from beyond the arc, going 3-for-3.

Melbourne relied heavily on its starting five before centre Rob Loe was ejected for violent conduct after elbowing Anthony Drmic in the side of the head.

The NBL was advised the Game Review Panel had completed its assessment of the fourth quarter incident on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 and Loe was charged with Unduly Rough Play against JackJumpers player Anthony Drmic. United can accept or appeal the decision.

"The incident has been determined as intentional, low impact and high contact resulting in a one-game suspension or a $1550 fine with an early plea," the NBL said.

The JackJumpers received significant contributions across their whole rotation, with Reuben Te Rangi providing a spark with 15 points on efficient 5-from-7 shooting.

United mounted a fierce comeback in the fourth quarter, led by the veteran savvy of Matthew Dellavedova, who finished with 16 points, nine assists, and five rebounds. However, every time Melbourne threatened to take control, Tasmania had an answer.

Jordon Crawford, the JackJumpers' diminutive but dynamic point guard, orchestrated the offence beautifully, tallying 16 points and six assists without a turnover.

The statistics tell the tale of a closely fought contest that ultimately swung on a few key factors. Tasmania's superior three-point shooting (15-of-35 compared to Melbourne's 9-of-32) provided crucial spacing and scoring punch. Additionally, the JackJumpers' bench outscored United's reserves 31-18.

Five JackJumpers scored in double figures, with Crawford's 16 points leading the way.

Chris Goulding, despite his 18 points, struggled to find his rhythm after a lengthy stint of the sideline, going 5-of-11 from the field.

Jack White's had nine rebounds and five assists but his 5-of-15 shooting night emphasised United's offensive struggles.

Tasmania can continue its march up the NBL ladder when it takes on the free-falling New Zealand Breakers (Game Centre) on Christmas Night, Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at home while United go on the road to face the struggling Cairns Taipans, who have lost 13 straight, (Game Centre) on Thursday December 26 in the first game of Round 14.