Round 8: Taipans v Breakers

CQUniversity Cairns Taipans v New Zealand Breakers
(Cairns Convention Centre, 6:30pm)
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Join us at the official post-game party: Reef Hotel Casino
Watch live on ESPN via Kayo Sports or Foxtel

LAST MEETING

The Taipans were eager for their first home win and held the Breakers to just five points in the first quarter (1-17 FG) but the visitors ultimately took the win in the grind-out game. Their five-point quarter is the lowest first quarter score ever by a team that has gone on to win a game.

LINE-UP

Both teams were key leaders on their sides - with Tahjere McCall and Tom Abercrombie both out in Round 4. Tonight, Mirko Djeric (ankle) will be on the side lines while the Breakers will be without Rob Loe.

LOOK FOR

A sizzling fourth quarter. New Zealand have outscored their opponent in the fourth quarter in all 11 games they have played so far, but the Taipans are anxious for another home win that will secure them second spot on the ladder.

Meanwhile, Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde has only won three games in a row once in orange.

In Round 17 and 18 last year, the Taipans won three in a row, with two of those games on the road against the Breakers (in Hobart and the other Breakers ‘home’ in Cairns).

LATEST WORDS 

“We’ve got some areas that we need to work on. We hold our hat on our defence. Offensively, we know how effective and productive we can be. If we can do that consistently every game and put that performance in against New Zealand, we feel pretty confident about (getting the win.) When we can get out and run, and hit some shots, it’s an exciting brand of basketball to watch,” – Taipans assistant coach Sam Gruggan

“My team has picked me up. The guys have been cheering me on and making sure I’ve felt comfortable coming back. I’m good conditioning-wise, it’s just getting my rhythm back and get in the flow of things. Now it’s about trying to figure out where I fit in – the guys have been flowing and playing great – and I need work out where I can help, without taking too much away. It’s a learning process,” – Tahjere McCall