Barker’s Career-High Not Enough in Blackout Game Loss to Kings

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans exploded out of the blocks and built a 24-point second-quarter lead, but a relentless second-half surge from Kendric Davis and the Kings turned Blackout Round late as Cairns fell 106-92 on Sunday afternoon at the Cairns Convention Centre.

Less than 48 hours after an overtime win against the JackJumpers, the Taipan pulled on the infamous Blackout jerseys and came out firing.

Shot blocker Kyrin Galloway (17 points from 7-12 FG and five rebounds) set the tone immediately, drilling back-to-back threes and flying around the glass, while explosive guard Mojave King (17 points from 6-14 FG and nine rebounds) attacked downhill to keep the Kings on the back foot.

The reward was Cairns’ highest first-quarter score of the season, racing to a 34-17 lead as the Orange Army rose with every stop and burst in transition.

The Taipans kept drilling shots from behind the arc and looked every bit the side that conquered the JackJumpers on Friday night.

Deep into the second quarter, Cairns stretched the margin to 24, but Sydney’s response was led by MVP contender Davis, who repeatedly found his way to the basket as the Taipans’ early avalanche slowed to a 54-45 halftime margin.

The Kings deeper rotation and fresher legs showed in the second half, with their defensive pressure rising. 

Australian Boomer Jack McVeigh (17 points from 7-15 FG and four assists) went to work, punishing matchups and keeping Cairns’ offence ticking along, while Andrew Andrews (12 points from 4-14 FG and 10 assists) returned to the lineup as the primary playmaker. 

Gritty guard Lachlan Barker was magnificent with a career-high 18 points (5-7 FG and 3-5 from three).

Sydney finally hit the front early in the fourth quarter, after Cairns had led for most of the afternoon and the contest shifted from a Taipans sprint to a Kings grind.

From there, the visitors took control with waves of contributors including former Taipan Torrey Craig (13 points) and guard Tyler Robertson (12 points) impacting off the bench. 

Sydney closed the door down the stretch to secure the 106-92 win.

Lachlan Barker Career-Night

With the Taipans short on turnaround time and needing bench punch, Barker delivered the best scoring night of his NBL career.

The Tasmanian played with real freedom, knocking down tough looks from multiple spots on the floor to finish with 18 points and three assists and keep Cairns within striking distance as Sydney gathered momentum.

‍Galloway Brothers Showdown‍

The brother storyline arrived early, with Kyrin Galloway going head-to-head with younger sibling Jaylin before Jaylin’s afternoon was cut short when he exited the game in the second quarter.

Kyrin was outstanding for Cairns, producing 17 points, five rebounds and two blocks, stretching the floor with his shooting and adding key defensive presence before fouling out late as the Taipans fought to match Sydney’s depth.

‍Torrey Returns

There was another reunion on the wing, with Kings import Torrey Craig facing the Taipans again in front of the Orange Army.

The former Cairns fan favourite brought physicality at both ends, impacting the contest with timely plays and helping Sydney steady late when the game tightened.

The 35-year-old along with Kings veteran Shaun Bruce helped the Taipans claim the 2014-15 minor premiership before reaching the Grand Final series against the New Zealand Breakers.

The former Chicago Bull finished with 13 points (5-8 FG), six rebounds and two blocks. 

Blackout Round and IFYS Foster Care Partnership‍

The Taipans’ scale-inspired Blackout jersey returned in collaboration with IFYS Foster Care, highlighting the club’s commitment to creating impact beyond the court.

Sunday’s Blackout game was about much more than the uniform, it was about the wider community.

It marked another chapter in the program’s legacy, with 146 jerseys auctioned and over $140k raised over the past 10 years.

Player-worn jerseys were auctioned post-game, with all proceeds once again going to IFYS Foster Care.

‍The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans return home for their final game at the Cairns Convention Centre, taking on Melbourne United on Thursday, February 12 at 6:30pm. Grab your tickets HERE