Will Magnay was a strong physical presence, Jordon Crawford made big shots and the Tasmania JackJumpers beat Melbourne United 81-72 on the night they unfurled their NBL championship banner.
The JackJumpers were right back to their ferocious best in a championship series rematch that threatened to boil over, but they led early and remained in control in front of a raucous MyState Bank Arena crowd in Hobart.
Tasmania raised their championship banner before Saturday night's game and played like a team on a mission, with Magnay setting the tone at both ends of the floor.
Up for the challenge against former teammate Marcus Lee and Melbourne veteran Rob Loe, Magnay finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, along with five massive blocks to be instrumental for the JackJumpers.
Game-five hero from last season Jordon Crawford put up 19 points for Tasmania as the defending champions won their first game of the season, holding a United team who had won their opening two matches to 72 points on 33 per cent shooting.
The JackJumpers started off 9-2 and never looked back, leading 20-14 by the end of the first quarter, 44-33 at half-time, then 61-49 by three-quarter-time.
Tasmania scored the first five points of the fourth team to open up a 17-point lead, eventually registering a nine-point win to send their fans home happy to start the new season.
On top of what Magnay and Crawford did, Milton Doyle had 13 points, nine rebounds and three assists, with Reuben Te Rangi adding 11 points, including a dagger late three.
Jack White top-scored for Melbourne, who suffered their first loss of the season, with 21 points and 11 rebounds, with Ian Clark adding 13 points and Chris Goulding 11 despite 2-of-10 three-point shooting.
Matthew Dellavedova had eight points, five assists and four rebounds in a fascinating tussle with Crawford.