The Tasmania JackJumpers have continued their remarkable march in their debut NBL season with a 76-73 upset win over Melbourne United at John Cain Arena on Monday night.
The victory sealed a 2-1 semi-final series win over reigning title-holders United and gives the JackJumpers a chance to complete the fairytale when taking on the Sydney Kings in the best-of-five grand final series.
After six losses through their first eight games, Scott Roth’s side surged into form to finish the regular season with a 17-11 record and nab the final playoffs spot.
Now, they have the opportunity to become the first brand new expansion team to be crowned NBL champions.
It was JackJumpers' import Josh Adams who got his side over the line in the tight contest, nailing 12 points in the crucial third quarter push among his overall 30-point haul.
In stark contrast, Melbourne captain and guard Chris Goulding withdrew from the contest during the warm-up with a calf injury.
Speaking after the historic win, Roth was bursting with state pride.
“To defend the island again and impact a state like these guys have done, It's just a fantastic thing for our group and in the state,” Roth said.
“I don't know what to say other than we're just blessed to be in this position and humbled by it.
“I think we’ve impacted Tasmanian basketball for kids and young females growing up and children to rally around this sport and embrace it.
“Sports are so impactful and just a huge moment for Tasmania in general in a short period of time.
“I ain't worried about Sydney. I'm going to enjoy this evening, have a cigar and drink a glass of wine and enjoy tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, United coach Dean Vickerman put the loss down to the side’s poor shooting record, saying “we just couldn't throw it in the ocean”.
“This whole series we couldn't shoot over 20 per cent from the three-point line and tonight we struggled to shoot over 50 per cent from the foul line and miss ten,” he said.
“We got enough stops to win the basketball game even though they had some moments and some patches that were really good but yeah, we just couldn't throw it in the ocean.”
The first game of the grand final series comes at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena on Friday, May 6.