Round 12: Taipans v United

CQUNIVERSITY CAIRNS TAIPANS V MELBOURNE UNITED
(John Cain Arena, 6:30pm)
Watch live on ESPN via Kayo Sports or Foxtel
Watch together at the Reef Hotel Casino (official away game venue)

LAST MEETING

The Taipans have faced United twice this season, last time defeating them comprehensively 97-72 at the Cairns Convention Centre, with all starters scoring in double-figures. Keanu Pinder and Bul Kuol top-scored with 18 points apiece in the game that saw a Cairns 30-10 third quarter. 

Their last match at John Cain Arena was a closer victory, where Pinder was dominant with 26 points and 10 boards for a 81-77 win.

LINE-UP

Sam Waardenburg returns to squad after sitting out two games under concussion protocols, meaning the Taipans are at full strength against Melbourne for the first time.

LOOK FOR

Tahjere McCall to step up to the plate. It’s an open air game at John Cain Arena and McCall loves the big moments – and he is yet to play United this season.

He missed the previous two Melbourne matches due to a hip injury. He is currently averaging 14.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists.

The Taipans will also be itching to get back in the winner's column tonight, after snapping their three-game streak on Tuesday (vs Perth) with a disappointing 105-83 loss at home. 

LATEST WORDS

"I was supposed to [play in an open air game] back in college, but it got cancelled. We have to move on from this game, we know what we’ve done in this game against Perth. We’ve got to learn from our mistakes and be better at our rebounding, with our turnovers and all that stuff. Melbourne are playing good ball right now. We’ve got to be prepared for them and find a way to win against them," - Shannon Scott

"The process has to remain the same. We can't waiver away from our normal preparations – it’s got us to 10 wins at this stage, so we’ll go about our business in the next 48 hours the same because we’ll be jumping on a flight to Melbourne. At least it’s a direct flight, which is good. And we’ll prepare for one more hit-out before Christmas. Then we get a little bit of a break, before we play Adelaide on New Year’s Eve," - Taipans head coach Adam Forde.

Next Home Game: Saturday 31 December, 7:00-pm vs Adelaide 36ers. GET TICKETS