Scott Roth praises Tasmania JackJumpers defensive structures amid scoring woes

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth admits his team is “having a heck of a time” on the offensive end but a trademark of their game is still playing a key role.

Fresh off a thrilling overtime win against Perth, Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth has once again praised his side’s defensive structures for keeping them in the game against the Wildcats on Sunday.

In one of the NBL champions more memorable wins, it was a pair of clutch threes from Milton Doyle and Majok Deng that both sent the round 3 clash to overtime and eventually won Tasmania the game.

Scott Roth is under no illusions of the offensive issues his side is currently dealing with (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

The JackJumpers now sit 2-2 after three rounds and will hit the road to face second place Illawarra (3-1) on Saturday night before returning to Launceston to host Sydney at the Silverdome on October 18.

Speaking post-match on Sunday, Roth didn’t shy away from the sides’ current offensive struggles but praised their work on the other end of the floor as a reason they’ve been able to stay in or win games this season.

“We are having a heck of a time trying to score the basketball this season,” Roth said.

“Our defence, which we pride ourselves on, just allowed us to stay in striking distance throughout the game and then we ramped some things up in the third period and then in the fourth.

“We went with a small line-up which I thought allowed us to get back into the game in the fourth quarter and end up taking the lead.

“We found our way with that line-up and he (Majok Deng) was obviously pivotal in that because of his shooting ability when he is on.”

After star big man Will Magnay escaped suspension on Saturday following an incident with Cairns Taipans import Rob Edwards in Friday night’s loss, Roth also revealed post game that the Boomers star was still in danger to miss through illness.

“We were very fortunate for (Will) Magnay to even play in this game,” he said.

“He woke up with the flu and had been sick all day so he gutted it out. It was just a matter of if he had enough fluids to get through the game so we monitored him and it’s a credit to him.”

Milton Doyle was at his best for Tasmania in the win. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Doyle once again led the way for Tasmania with 20 points, five rebounds and four assists with the vice-captain confident the overtime win is one they can build their season off.

“I think we are finding our identity,” Doyle said.

“The JackJumpers already have a set in stone identity and its’ just getting this (new) group to buy into that and follow along with that. I think this is one of the games that proves who we are and we can stand on this and drive our year off this win.”