Round 17: Taipans v Phoenix

CQUniversity Cairns Taipans vs SEM Phoenix
(State Basketball Centre, 6:30pm AEST)
Watch LIVE on ESPN and watch together at the Reef Hotel Casino

LAST MEETING

Despite being their fourth game in eight days, Cairns held onto home court for a 94 – 85 win over the Phoenix at the beginning of this month. The Taipans import trio of McCall, Scott and Hogg combined for 59 points as the team dominated for much of the last three quarters. McCall was the man in the middle of everything for 24 points, five rebounds and four assists while Majok Deng and Ben Ayre were important off the bench with 10 apiece.

LOOK FOR

Keanu Pinder’s resurgence. After missing six games with an ankle injury, Pinder was put straight back into the starting line-up on Friday, playing 20 minutes for seven points and three rebounds. Expect more buckets, boards and court time from the MVP-candidate tonight.

LINE-UP 

Taipans guard Mirko Djeric made it to the airport on Tuesday but couldn’t make it on the plane due to the stomach flu. He will not be replaced.

For the Phoenix, Ryan Broekhoff has been ruled out with a groin injury.

LATEST WORDS

“Like Tahj, when he was out for that stretch, it took him a while to get back into it. Now we’re seeing Tahj in full flight. We expect the same from Keanu. Our style of play, and especially the individual, is built on their touch and their comfort level within the game. Keanu being out for six games, which was about four weeks, naturally meant he came back in a little rough. Another week on the training floor has helped and he’ll be better for it.

“There’s a bit of a stomach bug – nothing too crazy – but it’s hit a few of the guys. But the good thing is Sam’s ankle isn’t too bad. He’s not 100% but we’re hopeful he’ll be able to suit up and play. Even if we heavily tape his ankle, Sam at 60% is still better than a DNP. Same with Shannon, who also took a hard hit. Like every team, we’re managing those aches and pains at this stage of the season. But the boys have got their sights on top two, and this round is probably the most important one of the year,” – Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde