Bullets fall short of comeback against JackJumpers

The Brisbane Bullets fell just short of what would’ve been an incredible comeback against the Tasmania JackJumpers, losing a thriller 82-84 on Saturday.

Robert Franks continued his strong run of form tonight, with the star forward notching up another NBL22 double-double.

The American also led players from both teams in scoring and rebounding, with a game-high 21-points and 12 boards.

The Bullets hosted the JackJumpers in the river city for the second time in the history of this matchup, with this being just the third meeting between the clubs.

While the rivalry and history between these two teams is still relatively young, both teams seemed to come into this one with a must-win mentality.

Bullets fans, you’d be forgiven for having felt a sense of déjà vu when Robert Franks started the match with a slam on the opening possession. Casting our minds back to last weekend’s clash against Cairns, Lamar Patterson got the game underway in a very similar manner.

It was a pretty even contest from the opening tip, with the Bullets holding a slender two-point lead four minutes into the first quarter.

But Tasmania did eventually run out to a 14-24 lead with two minutes to play, which seemed to have an impact on the game when it was all said and done.

While the Bullets continued to fight, the visitors held an eight-point lead going into quarter time.

Tom Digbeu scored Brisbane’s first points of the second quarter with one of the highlight plays of the fixture. The 20-year-old went coast-to-coast with a fantastic effort, before finishing the possession with a massive slam as well.

Shortly after, Digbeu reaped the rewards of a Lamar Patterson dime. A classy pass from LP helped Digbeu record another highlight play with an alley-oop.

While Brisbane fought hard throughout this quarter, they well and truly made their mark in the final stages of the half.

Franks and Tanner Krebs both scored three-pointers as the Bullets came to within one of the lead – having trailed by eight at quarter time.

Tasmania started the third with a three-pointer, but Brisbane responded with two baskets from LP and Franks which made it one-score game once again.

Brisbane were never really out of the fight from here, although the JackJumpers controlled their lead.

For the second time in this game, Franks was fouled attempting a three. Robo then stepped up and converted all three shots from the charity stripe once again.

Another Bullets highlight came later in the quarter, with super sub Deng Deng throwing the hammer down once again with another slam. 

But despite all their good work, the visitors did outscore the Bullets to take a five-point lead into the final term.

The JackJumpers started the fourth quarter well and the Bullets ran out of time trying to recover.

LP dropped a long-range three inside the final minute to make it a four-point game, while Thursday’s hero Anthony Drmic dropped a three of his own in the dying stages.

The Bullets had to foul as it was a one-point game, but after making one free throw, time had run out.

Following the match, Bullets coach James Duncan described turnovers as being the “Achilles heel” of his side, with Brisbane giving the ball up at inopportune moments.

But Captain Jason Cadee highlighted a different issue following the two-point loss. After a close start to the match, Tasmania ran out to a 10-point lead at one stage in the first quarter.

“Another night of trying to chase the lead. I say it all the time, it’s hard to chase teams in this League,” Cadee said.

Up next for the Bullets is an away trip to the Illawarra Hawks on Thursday. Just like Tasmania, the Hawks are another team with playoff ambitions so it’ll be a great test for the side before the end of the season.

“They’re playing for the top four and we need to find a way to start games better so we’re not chasing,” Duncan said.

“We’ve for sure got to rest up and get ourselves ready to rock and roll on Thursday.”

Box Score

BULLETS 82 (Franks 21-points, Drmic 20, Patterson 17)

JACKJUMPERS 84 (McVeigh 15, Magette 15, Adams 14)

Next Home Game

After an away trip against the Hawks, the Bullets are set for another home game next Sunday against the Adelaide 36ers. Find your tickets HERE.