A blistering Finn Delany second half has powered Melbourne United to a gritty 82-68 win over Tasmania JackJumpers to book a spot in Saturday’s eliminator.
Delany had an equal career-high 33 points, including 20 in the second half at John Cain Arena on Thursday night, to power his side home in the Play-In Qualifier.
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But it didn’t come with ease for United, who had an undermanned JackJumpers come from nine points down at half time to threaten an unlikely victory.
The JackJumpers managed to lead late in the third and were just one point down at three-quarter time before United fired home.
Without import centre Jesse Edwards, who was a late out due to back spasms, United outscored the JackJumpers 26-13 in the final term to claim the victory.
Clutch threes from Tanner Krebs and Milton Doyle midway through the final term helped push United out to steady double-digits leads, before cruising home for the 14-point win.
United will now turn their attention to Perth Wildcats, who they will face on Saturday evening in a do-or-die eliminator away from home. The winner of that will take on Sydney Kings in a best of three playoffs series.
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TOP PERFORMERS
Delany led the way for United with a game-high 33 points to go with his six rebounds and two assists.
Import guard Doyle had 19 points, including eight in the fourth term and shooter Tanner Krebs had 11 including three triples.
United guard Tyson Walker stepped up with seven points, six assists and four rebounds but got into foul trouble with a fourth foul late in the third.
Chris Goulding, meanwhile, was quieter with the veteran shooting guard battling a cyst on the back of his knee as he played 18 minutes and went 0/6 from three-point range and had just four points.
JackJumper forward Nick Marshall had a team-high 20 points and six boards, Josh Bannan had two triples and 16 points. David Johnson was also influential with 16 points.
It was clear however, the Jackies missed their injured captain Will Magnay, star import guard and All-NBL Second Team NBL26 player Bryce Hamilton to name a few on their long injury list.
TASSIE START HOT
The JackJumpers came out on fire, jumping out to a 15-8 lead midway through the opening term but a Krebs three on the buzzer cut the margin to two points (15-17) at quarter time.
JackJumper forward Bannan had a game-high seven points to quarter time with import Johnson also stepping up with six points.
LOW-SCORING JACKIES
The JackJumpers registered just 31 points to halftime but were only nine points behind the home side at the main break to remain a comeback chance.
Scott Roth’s needed to step up offensively and with just 37 points in the second half, it ultimately resulted in their season coming to an end.
A rebound count, 42-34, United’s way also hurt the 2024 NBL championship side.
ILI’S RETURN
The two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Shea Ili, returned from a hamstring injury and had two points from eight minutes.
The 33-year-old received a warm applause from a 5071 United-pro crowd when he entered court midway through the opening quarter.
JackJumpers vice-captain Anthony Drmic was managed through a back injury and had three boards from 11 minutes.
Melbourne United 82 (Delany 33, Doyle 19, Krebs 11)
Tasmania JackJumpers 68 (Marshall 20, Johnson 16, Bannan 16)
At John Cain Arena
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