Forde says mistakes cost Taipans

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans showed plenty of fight but were left to rue a slow second half effort in Saturday night's 113-97 loss to Melbourne United at the Cairns Convention Centre.

Head Coach Adam Forde said turnovers, foul discipline and second-chance opportunities as the key factors behind the 16-point defeat.

While disappointed with the result, Forde took positives from the effort and resilience shown by his group, particularly the fight after falling behind in the second half.

TURNOVERS, FOULS THE DIFFERENCE

After a strong opening half, the Taipans entered the main break with the momentum, but Forde said the game shifted dramatically after half time as Melbourne capitalised on Cairns' mistakes.

“We couldn't keep them off the foul line in the first quarter. We couldn't make plays in the second quarter,” Forde said.

“We came out flat to start the third, and they got points off our turnovers. We gave up five turnovers, and they got 11 points off them.

“Then the fourth quarter was the offensive rebounds. We gave up five and we couldn't keep them off the foul line again.”

Forde said those momentum swings ultimately allowed United to take control of the contest despite the Taipans producing some excellent basketball earlier in the night.

JAYLIN BATTLING THROUGH

Forde also provided an update on Jaylin Galloway, who left the game early after aggravating a rib injury sustained in Thursday night’s win against Brisbane.

“He took a shot to the ribs in the Brisbane game, and then it's just that he got hit in the same spot today,” Forde said.

“So, we've got to get it checked and make sure there's nothing sinister underlining.

“Nothing to do with the shoulder, just a rib shot. He felt good and then he just got hit in that same spot again.”

PLENTY OF FIGHT IN FINAL STANZA

Despite trailing by as many as 19 points, Cairns mounted a late challenge to cut the margin back to single digits and keep the pressure on the visitors.

Forde praised his players for continuing to compete until the final minutes.

“I loved the fight by the guys," he said.

“It was six minutes to go, and it was a nine-point game. Jaylon Brown strips the ball and gets called for a foul, and that finally took the wind out of our sails.”

The Taipans will now shift their focus to the next challenge and will be back at home to battle Illawarra Hawks at the Cairns Convention Centre on Thursday night.

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