36ers Edge Taipans in Cairns Thriller

Despite a defiant home crowd at the Cairns Convention Centre, the Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans fell short against the Adelaide 36ers, going down 86-91 headlined by Bryce Cotton’s record-breaking 53-point outburst.

Kyrin Galloway, starting for the first time this season alongside Alex Higgins-Titsha, opened the scoring with a confident corner three. Marcus Lee punctuated the gritty opening term with a thunderous dunk as Cairns trailed just 17-19 at quarter time.

In a game that swung wildly across four quarters, the injury-riddled Taipans fought tooth and nail to claw back from an eight-point half time deficit, trimming the margin to just two midway through the final term. Andrew Andrews (23 points and seven assists) sparked the Snakes with nine points in the last quarter, while Admiral Schofield’s late three-pointer set up a tense finish.

But Cotton, a five-time NBL MVP and three-time champion, had an answer for every Cairns surge. His 53 points marked a franchise record for the 36ers.

The Taipans showed composure early, limiting turnovers and moving the ball patiently through their half-court sets, finishing with seven turnovers for the game with the visitors scoring five points from them. 

Even as Cotton caught fire early with 11 first-quarter points, the Snakes countered with balance and intensity, forcing the 36ers into tough looks and attacking the paint relentlessly.

Schofield’s back-to-back triples before half time kept the contest within reach at 44-36, while deadeye Reyne Smith (16 points and shooting 4/8 from three) and Andrews provided valuable perimeter support.

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde:

"We’ve got things we need to work on, we left points at the foul line and at the rim. But I can’t fault the players' effort and desire to compete."

Forde said the team’s main focus had been to contain the players around Bryce Cotton and while there were a few defensive lapses, he felt the group executed that plan well for most of the game.

Balanced Attack Covers Scoring Gaps

Without star recruit Jack McVeigh (wrist) and front-court weapon Sam Waardenburg (ankle) available, the Taipans relied on a collective scoring effort to stay in the fight. Four players finished in double figures, showing their ability to share the load despite missing two of their top offensive options. Andrews led the charge late, Schofield stretched the floor with timely outside shooting, and Galloway’s early energy set the tone on both ends.

Frontcourt Battle of the Beasts

Underneath the rim, Admiral Schofield (18 points shooting 5/12 from three, nine rebounds and five assists) and Zylan Cheatham (three points and eight rebounds) waged a fierce physical duel. Both power forwards brought energy and aggression—Schofield showcasing his perimeter range and strength in transition, while Cheatham imposed himself defensively and on the glass. Their back-and-forth battle epitomised the intensity of a game that demanded every ounce of physicality and heart from both sides.

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans face a short turnaround before they return to their home court, with the side hosting the first Ignite Cup game in Queensland. Cairns will host Perth from 6:30pm on Wednesday night - grab your tickets HERE.