Scott Roth on the final four games of Tasmania’s season

Despite injuries continuing to wreak havoc with its NBL title defence, Tasmania coach Scott Roth is determined his side will still “Defend the Island”.

The Tasmania JackJumpers will go Teal against the Cairns Taipans on February 8. Photo: Tasmania JackJumpers.

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth has declared his side will “fight until the end” as injuries continue to derail his side’s NBL title defence.

The Jackies are already without guard Sean MacDonald, Will Magnay and Majok Deng for the rest of the season but remain ahead in the race for sixth place and play-in place.

Roth’s side has four games to play in the regular season, starting with a trip to take on the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Saturday.

They’ll then welcome the ladder leading Illawarra Hawks on Thursday, January 30 before games against Melbourne United and Cairns Taipans to close out the season.

Three of those games are against finals bound opponents, with the exception of the Taipans, with many now tipping the JackJumpers will slip out of the top-six.

“That’s going to be our motto heading into the next four ‘fight until the end’ and see where we land,” Roth said on Tuesday.

“We’ve got a lot of guys stepping up and trying to do more. Ultimately the effort of what we’re trying to do.

“And more importantly our culture and our internal values is why we established from day one if we have a bad season or down season or weren’t quite on par, we wouldn’t be one of these teams that is throwing in the towel or pouting on the bench.

“Our main goal is to Defend the Island.”

With consistent injuries, Roth has mixed up his starting five in recent weeks but has continued to bring electric point guard Jordon Crawford off the bench.

And the experienced head coach doesn’t expect that to change.

“I don’t want to throw him in the starting line-up and ruin what he’s been doing which has been really positive for us,” he said.

“It is about some of the match-ups but it’s also about the health and the minutes being played by guys.

“We’ll just have to juggle it as we go.”

On Tuesday, the JackJumpers announced they would wear specially designed teal jerseys in the final game against the Taipans.

It will be the fourth time annual Teal Round where the club supports local charity partner S. H. E (Support, Hope, Education).

The Teal Round aims to raise vital funds and awareness for gynaecological cancers and SHE’s ambitious mission to build a world-class Cancer Wellness Centre in Tasmania.

Since its inception, the initiative has raised more than $150,000.

“This is more than a game — it’s a testament to the strength and compassion of Tasmanians who want to make a difference,” S. H. E chair Scott Harris said.

Fans will also be able to contribute with game worn jerseys to be auctioned off, while the teal jerseys are available online from 10am on Thursday.

Virtual seats will also go on sale from February 3.