Game Preview: Cairns vs Sydney

The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans’ two performances in Round 9 could be described as Jekyll and Hyde, with an unexpected loss to the Brisbane Bullets (their first in over two years) before going to Melbourne and blitzing United in front of their sold-out home crowd.

United sit at the top of the NBL ladder and in the second game of a home-away double header, the Taipans poured on 115 points; the highest score by any team this season and the most points scored by any team against Melbourne at John Cain Arena – ever.

The Taipans now host the Kings after setting several records, including a franchise-high 62.5% from the field as they look to improve their offensive rating.  

The last time these two teams met, the Taipans were hosting their first game back from their NBLxNBA trip and sent Sydney home packing with an 87-80 defeat.

Former Taipan DJ Hogg was restricted to 13 points as Bul Kuol top-scored with 24 points and five rebounds, Sam Waardenburg 22 and six.

Sydney sits fourth on the ladder but are on a two-game slide after losing to the Wildcats and United in the last two rounds.

Cairns are coming off the back of an impressive road win, but have uncharacteristically lost their last two home games against Tasmania and Brisbane.

The Taipans also have a demanding schedule ahead, with double-headers every week throughout December.

They remain seventh on the ladder with 10 matches this month to turn it all around, as Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde said one good game wasn't enough. 

“It was one game, right? We can't just put our feet up after one game. I want guys to take it personally that they lost positions and lost minutes to their teammates and trying to give them a little bit of competitive spirit. Now, practice with that.

“But because you had one good game doesn't guarantee you anything.

“It doesn't guarantee anything. So this is just what the message has been this week. We have to compete for everything - every possession, every practice day, every game.”

The Taipans host the King at the Cairns Convention Centre tonight, 6:30pm. GET TICKETS or watch on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.