Clutch McVeigh leads Taipans past Hawks

Jack McVeigh produced his finest performance in Taipans colours, pouring in a game-high 32 points to lead the Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans to a hard-earned 110-100 victory over the Illawarra Hawks at WIN Entertainment Centre on Sunday.

In a contest packed with momentum swings, the Taipans looked in control for much of the afternoon before the Hawks mounted a fierce final-quarter charge. But when the game was on the line, it was McVeigh who delivered.

With Illawarra cutting the margin to just three points late in the fourth quarter, the Taipan responded with a tough drive to the basket before setting up Malique Lewis for a dagger three-pointer from the corner, sealing an impressive road win.

The victory improves Cairns to 4-3 on the season and keeps the Taipans firmly entrenched among the competition's early frontrunners.

HOT SHOOTING ON DISPLAY

McVeigh's 32-point performance set the tone, but he had plenty of support.

Jonah Bolden continued his outstanding start to the season with 20 points, eight rebounds and four triples, while Keanu Pinder exploded for 19 points, including 11 in a dominant third-quarter stretch.

Jaylon Brown orchestrated the offence brilliantly, finishing with 14 points and a season-high nine assists, while Reyne Smith knocked down timely shots on his way to 14 points.

Cairns' offence fired on all cylinders, connecting on 18 three-pointers and shooting nearly 48 per cent from beyond the arc. The ball movement was a feature, with the Taipans repeatedly creating open looks through aggressive driving and selfless play.

FAST START SETS PLATFORM

The Taipans came out with intent, racing to a 28-18 advantage midway through the opening quarter after back-to-back triples from McVeigh and Bolden sparked a 12-2 run.

Illawarra responded with nine unanswered points to close the term and cut the deficit to just one at 28-27, but Cairns quickly regained control.

Luke Paul provided one of the highlights of the afternoon with the first dunk of his professional career, finishing a perfect feed from Pinder.

The Duke commit point guard then followed with consecutive assists, helping the Taipans stretch their lead back into double figures.

Brown took over late in the second quarter, producing six quick points, including a steal and pull-up triple, as Cairns surged to a 54-37 advantage.

However, the Hawks again finished the quarter strongly, scoring the final nine points to trim the margin to 57-50 at halftime.

McVEIGH, BOLDEN SHOW STRENGTH

McVeigh was locked in from the opening tip.

After scoring 13 points in the first quarter, he carried that momentum through the remainder of the contest, finishing with 18 first-half points and providing stability whenever Illawarra threatened.

His combination of shot-making, leadership and composure proved invaluable, particularly during the decisive moments in the final quarter, while Bolden's impact went far beyond the box score.

Forced into an expanded role after early foul trouble to Pinder, the veteran forward provided a major defensive presence, collecting six first-half rebounds and protecting the rim with four blocked shots.

He also stretched the Hawks defensively, knocking down four of his five attempts from beyond the arc to continue his strong form.

HAWKS’ BENCH SHOWS FIGHT

The Hawks refused to go away, with their bench playing a significant role in keeping them within striking distance.

Makur Maker impressed with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Will Hickey added 13 points and nine boards. Lamar Patterson also provided valuable support as Illawarra's reserves combined to outscore Cairns' bench 54-24.

But despite repeated runs from the home side, the Taipans consistently found answers, showing composure and resilience in the biggest moments.

WHAT’S NEXT

The Taipans return home with valuable momentum after a third straight victory before hitting the road again next weekend.

Cairns will face South East Melbourne Phoenix at John Cain Arena on Saturday night as they look to build on an impressive road victory and continue their strong start to their 2026-27 campaign.
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‍CAIRNS TAIPANS 110 (J McVeigh 32, Bolden 20, Pinder 19, Brown 14, Smith 14) def ILLAWARRA HAWKS 100 (Maker 18, Froling 16, Hickey 13) at the WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong.

BOX SCORE