There were jubilant and emotional scenes in Tasmania as the JackJumpers moved one step closer to NBL playoffs on a day that meant so much for coach Scott Roth.
Roth fought back tears speaking after his side came from nine points down in the final term to beat the Perth Wildcats 102-94 at Mystate Bank Arena on Sunday.
But it was the emotion surrounding Tasmania’s second annual Teal Game that saw Roth’s tears threaten to spill over.
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“It’s quite personal,” Roth said as he choked up speaking about local gynaecological charity S.H.E [Support, Hope, Education].
“Our relationship with Jo and Scott (Harris, chair of S.H.E) – my family’s lost two to cancer and this was a big evening for us.
“Bigger than basketball.
“I’m just glad our guys continued to fight and defend the island.”
Roth was so ecstatic with his team’s win, he raced around the court high fiving as many fans as he could in wholesome scenes.
He then made his way to Jo Harris, who is currently battling stage four ovarian cancer, and embraced her in a bear hug courtside, before also wrapping his arms around her husband Scott – S.H.E’s chair.
“Look at Scott Roth! Showing plenty of emotions as he should!” commentator Andrew Gaze praised.
“He understands how vital that win is for the JackJumpers and I love it!
“You love to see the reward you get from an important win.
“You can see the emotion – not just from the players and coach but from the fans on an important day with what they’re trying to do in raising some funds for a very important cause as well.”
It’s the second time the JackJumpers have held a Teal Game for S.H.E after raising more than $27,000 last February.
Not only did Tasmania’s players get around the cause on Sunday, but some Wildcats players – including captain Jesse Wagstaff, NBA signed Luke Travers and veteran Mitch Norton – all donned teal socks as their way to support the cause.
“This is what sport’s about – it’s about community, bringing people together, raising money for good causes and just supporting everyone in the community,” JackJumper Jack McVeigh said post-game.
Tasmania had extra reason to celebrate as they shot back up into fourth with Sunday’s win over Perth.
“They just dug in and played some defence finally. It’s a hell of a team,” Roth said.
“I’m just proud to walk away with the win.
“It’s what we strive for here (unity). Culture wise to build something strong that people can be proud of.”
Gaze said Perth had looked in “complete control” of the match until the final quarter when the JackJumpers produced a brilliant fightback in front of home fans for the final time this home and away season.
“This is the one for 85 per cent of this game I thought it was just going to roll out and go the way of the Wildcats,” Gaze said.
“In complete control, shooting at will, scoring at a great clip and to the JackJumpers’ credit, they hang in there.”
Tasmania’s players will also auction their special Teal game-worn jerseys to raise funds for S.H.E while Will Magnay has pledged to donate his game-worn signed shoes.
