Andrews Double-Double Not Enough as Phoenix Take Down Taipans

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans showed grit and signs of growth, but a tough second-quarter surge from South East Melbourne proved the difference in a 101–90 loss on Friday night at the Cairns Convention Centre.

Cairns started brightly, with Andrew Andrews scoring within the opening five seconds and setting the tone early. The import guard carved up Phoenix’s defence with six points and four assists in the opening quarter, steering the Snakes’ offence through Phoenix’s full-court pressure.

Kyrin Galloway added six first-term points of his own, before Mojave King beat the buzzer to trim the margin to 24–28 at quarter time.

But the game flipped sharply to start the second with Phoenix showing their offensive might. Their plan was clear: blitz Andrews on every touch, force the ball out of his hands and make Cairns’ depleted backcourt manufacture offence off the dribble.

With Kody Stattmann, Reyne Smith, Kyle Adnam and Sam Waardenburg all sidelined, the Taipans simply lacked their usual creative depth.

South East Melbourne capitalised for 36 second-quarter points and built a commanding 64–39 half time lead.

The catalyst was Angus Glover, who returned from injury in strong form drilling six three-pointers and finishing with a game-high 24 points, including 17 in a blistering first half. His shot-making repeatedly punished late rotations and stabilised Phoenix whenever Cairns threatened a run.

However, the Taipans didn’t fold in the second half.

The third quarter brought life back into the Convention Centre as Marcus Lee and Mojave King detonated for back-to-back dunks, energising the crowd and sparking a 23–20 term.

Australian Boomer Jack McVeigh kept the scoreboard moving with a composed 22 points (7-14 FG), three assists and five rebounds, leading the offensive charge.

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde:
"We went into halftime asking for more fight and we got it in the second half."
"A number of unforced turnovers and momentum swings especially in that second quarter. I asked for a response and the guys showed it, I can’t fault the team for battling through adversity. Tonight was a game where having a secondary ball handler like Reyne Smith would’ve really helped. When we had the first quarter that we did and the second half that we played. You can see the pieces are there, but for players who are playing outside of their usual role, position or rotation, there’s a level of panic with the wrong defensive coverage or execution on the offensive end. We just need one or two extra players in the rotation (to come back from injury). We’re right there, but it didn’t help us get the win tonight."

Andrews continued to orchestrate despite constant traps and double-teams, finishing with an impressive 11-point, 10-assist, four-rebound double-double.

"We've got to get Drew help. He's making some really great plays for us that we need to finish," Forde said.

"Drew is directing a lot out there, but it can't just be a one man show. It's been a real turning point for us on the offensive side. What Drew has been able to do in practice, being the voice who says the right thing at the right time, he provides clarity on what needs to be done, but we need to give him more help."

Taipans new recruit King was lively throughout the night, attacking in transition and defending with force on his way to 16 points (6-13 FG) and five rebounds. Galloway remained dependable in Waardenburg’s absence, producing 13 points and six boards.

Cairns outscored Phoenix 53–37 in the second half and showed genuine fight, but the early damage proved insurmountable.

Another positive came with Queensland guard Kian Dennis’ season debut, coming into the side for playmaker Adnam as an injury replacement.

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans now face a quick turnaround ahead of their Sunday afternoon clash in Adelaide. They'll face the 36ers from 3:30pm, before returning home to host the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday 22 November in their final fixture before the FIBA break. Grab your tickets HERE.