Hawks downed by JackJumpers in Tasmania

The Tasmania JackJumpers have routed the Illawarra Hawks 103-73 in the NBL opening game of round 3.

American guard Milton Doyle continued his rich vein of early-season form with 19 points at a packed MyState Bank Arena in Hobart on Thursday night. 

The home team blew the game open with a 31-10 second quarter against the Hawks, who conceded 11 turnovers by half-time. 

Illawarra mustered more defensive grit during periods in the second half, but by then the margin was too wide. 

The Hawks have won just one of their opening three matches this season and have now lost 15 of their past 16 games on the road. 

They shot at just 38 per cent from the field, while the JackJumpers were on point from deep and shot 43 per cent of three-point attempts. 

Tasmania came flying out of the blocks and were up by 13 points before Illawarra cut the deficit to 24-19 at the first break.

Gary Clark top-scored for Illawarra with 16 points, while Justin Robinson had some decent moments early and a first quarter that netted seven points.

Next Star AJ Johnson saw some early minutes, and scored his first NBL points. Development Player Luca Yates made his NBL debut, suiting up in place of injured Mason Peatling. 

The Hawks are away in Adelaide on Saturday 14 October against the 36ers, tipping off at 5:30pm AEDT.