In their inaugural season, the Tasmania JackJumpers have pulled off the ultimate upset, leapfrogging the Perth Wildcats to advance to the NBL semi-finals.
Remarkably, this will be the first time in 35 seasons that the Wildcats will not feature in the post-season.
Heading into round 21, Tasmania and Perth were locked on 16 wins and 11 losses apiece, making their matches across the Anzac Day long weekend must-wins to secure their spot in the competition’s top-four.
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The JackJumpers easily did away with defending champions Melbourne United by 22 points at MyState Bank Arena on Saturday, doing all they could to steal the ladders fourth spot.
Then on Sunday, the Wildcats’ historic run came to an end as they succumbed to the South East Melbourne Phoenix by a heart-rending two points in overtime at RAC Arena.
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For much of the season, the Wildcats looked set to grow their streak to 36, however after a host of tough losses at home including a defeat by the Illawarra Hawks on Friday night, the undertaking was too great.
The JackJumpers will now rematch United in a best-of-three semi-finals series commencing Thursday night.
The Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings will meet in the other series, in what will be the first time both New South Wales-based teams battle in a semi-final.
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