Tasmania JackJumpers vice-captain Jack McVeigh labels victory over United as ‘good cultural win’ ahead of Breakers clash

A Tasmania JackJumpers star has spoken about the importance of last week’s win ahead of another major test against New Zealand on Friday.

Tasmania JackJumpers vice-captain Jack McVeigh has labelled last week’s victory over Melbourne United as a “good cultural win” ahead of another must-win game against New Zealand on Friday.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Jack McVeigh of the Jackjumpers celebrates during the round 16 NBL match between Tasmania Jackjumpers and Melbourne United at MyState Bank Arena, on January 19, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

The JackJumpers returned to the winners list with an impressive 21-point victory over the ladder leaders with Scott Roth’s side now hoping to string two wins together for the first time since round 10.

McVeigh, who led from the front with 23 points against United, said the last-start win was an important one with the ladder so tight heading into the final rounds of the season.

“It was a big win,” McVeigh said.

“You want to win those home games playing against a side like Melbourne United but at this point in the season we will take any win we can get, any way we can get it.

“Everyone played well and it was a good cultural win.

“We are coming down (the stretch) now with five games left so it’s an exciting time to play some basketball.”

The JackJumpers and the Breakers have faced off on three occasions already in NBL24 with each side besting the other on their home floor.

New Zealand won their last encounter in round 13 earlier this month with McVeigh expecting another tight battle against the team that knocked them out of last season’s playoffs.

“Anytime you play a team four times in a year is going to be a lot but I think they make us better and we make them better,” he said.

“So it’s going to be a typical New Zealand versus JackJumpers game. It will be physical, fun and there is a lot of offensive firepower flying around so it’s going to be a great game.

“They are a well-coached team and for me personally I love going against strong offensive players and in my position that’s (Anthony) Lamb, so that will be a fun challenge I’m looking forward to.”

Currently sitting in third spot with a 12-11 record, McVeigh understands his side needs to continue its winnings ways with every team still in the mix mathematically to feature in this season’s playoffs.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Jack McVeigh of the Jackjumpers drives to the basket during the round 16 NBL match between Tasmania Jackjumpers and Melbourne United at MyState Bank Arena, on January 19, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“If we drop (a game) this weekend who knows where we will go, that’s how close this (season) is,” McVeigh said.

“We don’t pay too much attention to the ladder though. We just know we have to keep winning games and when push comes to shove it (may) come down to that last game at home with something on the line.

“That’s why we play basketball, for playoffs. I’d never experienced it until I came here, so two years in a row of it has me itching to be back playing in that high intense atmosphere and playing against the best teams in the league.”

Friday’s game against New Zealand from Eventfinda Stadium kicks tips off at 5.30pm.