McVeigh magic lifts Taipans past Wildcats

An offensive masterclass from Jack McVeigh has guided the Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans to a 100-92 win over Perth Wildcats at RAC Arena on Sunday afternoon.

McVeigh scored a game-high 36 points, the most by a Cairns player in Perth in club history, to go with six rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks in an inspirational display.

Jaylon Brown was McVeigh’s offensive running mate, adding 22 points to go with five assists and three steals, while Shaun Bruce was influential off the bench for 14 points, two rebounds and two assists and Malique Lewis had six blocks to go with nine points and five rebounds.

Cairns controlled the game for most of the 40 minutes, but had to withstand several runs from the Wildcats, including a 9-2 run to start the final quarter which reduced the margin to five points (79-74).

Keanu Pinder then scored five of his 10 points on consecutive baskets, and Bruce swished a three-pointer for an 87-74 lead.

Perth scored the next six straight and Pinder fouled out, but a huge backdoor play and slam dunk from Lewis, then a Brown steal for a Bruce layup ending the contest.

JACK ATTACK GOES BIG

Back-to-back three-pointers from McVeigh to start the game got the captain into a mood in the first quarter, taking the offense into his own hands, scoring 16 points in the opening 10 minutes, including four three-pointers, one from beyond NBA range.

Cairns had the three-point radar on target in the first quarter, along with McVeigh’s four triples, Brown swished two, plus one to Bolden and Lewis as the Taipans took a 31-27 lead into quarter time.

McVeigh and Brown combined for 37 points in the opening 20 minutes as the Taipans took a 53-48 lead into the main interval.

The Paris Olympian had 23 points in the first half, his NBL career-high, and continued his dominance after the main break.

Another three-pointer from McVeigh, one of his eight on the afternoon, made it 66-53 but the Wildcats roared back late in the third quarter, going on a 8-2 run, but the Taipans rallied, two tough baskets from the captain gave Cairns a 77-65 lead going into the final 10 minutes.

BRUCE SHOWS LEADERSHIP

Bruce made all the right plays for the Taipans in his best game of the NBL27 season to date, especially as the Wildcats were pushing for momentum in the second half.

The three-time NBL champion was a calming influence, on both ends of the floor, and his three-pointer late in the final quarter should have been the exclamation point, but Perth made one final run.

Combining with NBL Next Star Luke Paul, Bruce ran the point guard duties, and his resilience, poise and veteran plays were big down the stretch.

Bruce was big from beyond the arc, swishing three huge three-pointers without a miss, and all seem to come just when the Taipans needed it most.

PAUL’S HOMECOMING

Next Star Luke Paul started in his second straight game for his first professional outing in his home state.

The West Australian, who had an outstanding junior career with Willeton Tigers, made his way to the Centre of Excellence in Canberra before starring at the Australia Emus at the Under 17 FIBA World Cup.

The 198cm guard more than held his own under the bright lights of RAC Arena and close to 13,000 people, a crowd he will have to get used to playing in front of when joining Duke University next season.

After 12 points (4-6 FG), four rebounds, two assists, two steals and two three-pointers in his first career start on Thursday night, Paul finished with two points, two steals, an assist and a rebound but played his role in the victory.

WHAT’S NEXT

Cairns will return home to Far North Queensland next round when the Taipans host the reigning NBL champions Sydney Kings at the Cairns Convention Centre on Friday night.

Make sure to secure your spot, get your tickets HERE.
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‍CAIRNS TAIPANS 100 (J McVeigh 36, J Brown 22, Bruce 14, Pinder 10) def PERTH WILDCATS 92 (Pepper 26, Doolittle 20, Wagstaff 14) at RAC Arena, Perth.

BOX SCORE