‘Manhandled’ JJs aim to bounce back
Lift in intensity crucial against Cairns: Steindl
JACKJUMPERS skipper Clint Steindl has implored his teammates to improve their intensity early in Friday’s tough road trip to Cairns after coach Scott Roth admitted they were ‘manhandled’ in Wednesday’s 86-75 loss to SouthEast Melbourne.
Facing a golden opportunity at Launceston to put one foot in the playoffs door, Tasmania was outplayed – but more importantly, out enthused – in giving up a 24-14 quarter-time lead to the Phoenix, which snapped a five-game losing streak.
Now fifth on the table, the JackJumpers (13-11) need to bounce back quickly against the second-placed Taipans as the race for the last four finals spots heats up.
Roth didn’t mince his words after the Phoenix loss, conceding the visitors were simply more desperate.
“They just manhandled us for most of the game and beat us in effort and energy areas,” he said.
“It’s everything we discussed about playing them (that went wrong), trying to keep them off the foul line as best we could and you have to gang rebound against them. We did both of those things poorly.
“They were the aggressor and at the end of the season when games are going back and forth and everyone’s juggling around the standings, one team’s going to inflict their will on another team. The other team has to react to that, or succumb to it. We succumbed to it.”
The loss added to a poor record at the Silverdome for the JackJumpers, who have now won just one of four games there.
“This market is hugely important to us. Being in the market is important to build the brand and make sure we’re visible, so it’s unfortunate they’re not seeing us at our best in this venue,” Roth said.
“We have two more home games but we have not played well at home in general, just all year.
“That’s one of the things when I look back at the season, the inconsistency at home and not having the record you need to have an impact in this league will be something to reflect upon.”
Steindl said they can’t afford to let the high-flying Taipans throw another knockout punch early in the far north on Friday night.
“As long as we don’t get out-hustled in the first four or five minutes of the game (we’ll be in the mix),” he said.
“We have to put our footprint on the game straight away and make sure at least the first quarter we’re playing on our terms.
“Hopefully over 40 minutes it will pay its reward towards the end.”
Steindl has struggled for game time in recent matches with in-form teammates getting more time on court.
But he said it hasn’t affected his determination to lead the group deep into another playoff run.
“You’ve got to get out of your own head and it’s not about me, it’s about the guys around me,” he said.
“I’d love to be out there and be shooting the ball well, being effective and efficient, but it’s not always going to go your way.
“As a senior leader in this team, I can’t let that (lack of game time) affect me whatsoever. I’ve got to keep investing in these guys, and I’ll keep doing that while we’re playing this year.”
Friday’s clash in Cairns tips off at 7.30pm AEDT.