Cairns take down Phoenix

It’s been a challenging week for Far North Queensland and the CQUniversity Cairns Taipans had the community front of mind for their game against the South East Melbourne Phoenix; getting an overdue win at the Convention Centre 94-75 on Friday night.

The Taipans have dropped their last three games on their home floor, despite winning their last three games on the road – all of which have been the second leg of double-headers.

Most recently, they defeated the Bullets and then got stuck in Brisbane, after Cairns Airport closed due to the worst floods Cairns has experienced in over a century.  

It was a testing week with uncertainties around whether or not the game could proceed, but when it was confirmed to go ahead the team knew they had to provide a distraction to the community and be a shining light in a difficult time.

Straight out of the gates the Taipans were determined to put on a show, as they fielded their full roster for just the second time this season. Pat Miller had six points in just over two minutes while Bul Kuol didn’t miss for the to quarter to lead all scorers with 10 points.

Cairns had a healthy 30-18 buffer at the first break, before losing momentum in the second as South East’s zone defence slowed them down and the visitors started to hit their shots.

Former Taipan Ben Ayre scored two threes to keep the visitors in touch and it was just a two-point game at the half.

Phoenix’s Alan Williams tied the game with a tough layup to start the third, but Waardenburg and Mennenga responded, going to work in the paint.

An 8-0 Taipans run forced the Phoenix to call a time-out, only for Waardenburg to hit a three and extend the Cairns lead to 11.

Closing in on the final break, Tahjere McCall was called for a foul on Abdel Nader which was challenged by Forde and the full force of the Orange Army, but it was deemed unsuccessful.

The remainder of the quarter was spent at the charity strip, with both teams trading trips to the foul line.

Bobi Klintman was 0-4 from the field for the game but quickly made up for it with a thrilling dunk to open the fourth quarter, before Lat Mayen and Kuol were both accurate from range.

They managed to grab Cairns’ biggest lead of the game being 13 points, as the home team demonstrated composure and continued to put points on the board on the way to their 19-point win.

Sam Waardenburg impressed with the team-high 20 points and six rebounds, while Pat Miller flirted with a double-double for 17 points and nine assists. Bul Kuol had 15, Sam Mennenga 13 points and six.