10 Reasons you can’t miss the Taipans vs Breakers Clash

It’s the last big hit-out before Christmas and we’re turning the Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans vs New Zealand Breakers game into a full-blown festive event. Whether you’re bringing the kids, rolling in with mates or making it your end-of-year night out, here are 10 reasons you should be in the building for a bruising battle this Friday night.

1. Sam vs Sam & the Rumble Under the Rim
Cairns fan favourite Sam Waardenburg will matchup against former Taipan and fierce centre Sam Mennenga. The Breakers big man hurt Cairns last outing with 22 points and seven rebounds. But with Waardenburg’s recent return to the line-up, expect a Kiwi Clash of the Titans.

2. Future NBA star Karim López
‍Karim López is one of the most exciting talents in the world, looming as a potential lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft. 
The 18-year-old has already represented Mexico on the international stage after playing professionally in Spain and is having a breakout season for the Breakers.

3. Battle of the Floor Generals: Andrews vs Jackson-Cartwright 
‍If you love premier guard play, this is the battle to witness. In the last meeting, Andrew Andrews posted 23 points, nine assists and four steals while going toe-to-toe with Breakers conductor Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who finished with 20 points and six assists. Jackson-Cartwright leads the league in assists (7.7), while Andrews sits fourth (6.6).

4. The Season of Presents
We are giving out more than 100 presents before and during the game to fans including a trip to Green Island, Ollie's vouchers, ASN prizes, City & Country merchandise, Taipans merchandise and more.

‍5. Jack McVeigh: Breakers Heat Check
Jack McVeigh has already shown he can torch this opponent, 35 points, five threes, seven boards and four assists in their last clash, playing the full 40 minutes. For even more fuel to add to his fire, the Australian Boomer will be celebrating his 200th NBL game.

6. Huge Live Prizes to be Won
Be at the game and you’ll get a chance to win $350 thanks to NQ Forklifts, EVENT Cinema movie passes. While CQU will host a half time competition with 10 platinum tickets up for grabs to the home clash against the JackJumpers in round 19. 

‍7. Entertainment stack: IFYS Cheerleaders & Annees Mini Squad
You’re getting the full show. The IFYS Cheerleaders raise the roof, plus the cutest Annees Mini Squad in the league with a Christmas twist.

‍8. Beware, The Grinch
The Grinch will be in the building causing havoc to everything Christmas. Our infamous Joe Blake may have met his match with a halftime dance off with the grouchy Grinch. 

‍9. Phenomenal Friday Night Atmosphere
Nothing beats basketball under lights to kick off the weekend. Expect a louder crowd, bigger energy and that classic Orange Army buzz from warm-ups to the final siren.

‍10. Revenge time
The New Zealand Breakers edged the Taipans 102-96 in a thriller less than a month ago. It's time to settle the score.

‍*This year, the Taipans’ NBL Ignite Cup fixtures were scheduled for Wednesday 22 October and Wednesday 31 December. As one of these new fixtures falls on New Year’s Eve (and automatically included in an Orange Army membership) another regular season game has been allocated as the extra fixture, 19 December.

Members are reminded their membership card will NOT work at the Cairns Convention Centre, they need to access the new tickets if purchased. The ONLY members that can use their card for entry is those that purchased the 16-game membership. Please contact Taipans HQ for more info.