‘Resilient’ JackJumpers edge Brisbane in OT thriller

Steve Barrett | October 3, 2026

Tasmania have jumped into second position on the NBL ladder, overturning a 14-point deficit to defeat Brisbane 109-99 after overtime.

The JackJumpers looked all but home, up 89-80, before missing their next 10 shots as the Bullets went on an 11-0 burst to pinch the lead on Tyrell Harrison’s hook with 26.5 seconds remaining at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Saturday.

Tasmania’s drought ended with 22.2 seconds left as Taran Armstrong’s slick behind-the-back pass found Josh Bannan to level the scores, before Bullets sharpshooter Max Mackinnon’s missed three on the buzzer meant it was 91-all at the end of regulation.

The Jackies took control with the last 10 points of the extension, Armstrong sealing victory with a brawny three-point play and two free throws.

Armstrong (29 points) was outstanding, while twin towers Bannan (22 points, 11 rebounds) and Will Magnay (22, nine) were constant threats.

“It’s been a good weekend for us, obviously,” Tasmania coach Scott Roth said after his side’s second close win in 48 hours.

“Just a really resilient effort by us. Really proud of the guys.

“We just aren’t going to quit on anything.”

Tyrell Harrison (24 points, 12 boards) was superb for valiant Brisbane, as were Mackinnon and import Nate Hinton (both 21 points).

The Bullets led 23-17 at quarter-time, before their buffer ballooned to 47-33 in the second term.

The fans gave recently retired Brisbane Lions’ three-time AFL premiership-winning coach Chris Fagan a rousing ovation when he appeared on the big screen, despite the famous JackJumpers supporter donning the opposition’s gear.

Queenstown-born Fagan would have enjoyed seeing Tasmania fight out the half with a 7-0 run, reducing the margin to 47-40.

The Jackies carried that momentum into the third term, which they completely dominated 34-18.

Armstrong caught fire from outside, Bannan was a brute inside and the Bullets became ragged with their ball use as Tasmania went on a 13-0 tear to march ahead 74-65 at three-quarter time.

A Biwali Bayles steal and Magnay jam extended the JackJumpers’ advantage to 11 points, before Brisbane staged a sustained rearguard.

“Those are two strong sides battling each other,” Bullets coach Will Weaver said.

“You tip your hat to them, making the plays when it mattered.

“Mostly, I reflect on it (game) with pride.”