Taipans fall to Phoenix on the road

Despite an opening quarter scoring blitz, the Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans have fallen 115-83 to South East Melbourne Phoenix at John Cain Arena on Saturday night.

A second quarter avalanche from the home side, sparked by Nathan Sobey, was pivotal in the 32-point success.

Sobey finished with a game-high 29 points to go with eight rebounds and six assists, while Jonah Bolden was the best for the Taipans with 17 points and five rebounds.

The Taipans started off a team that had won their past three games, opening up a double-digit lead in the opening quarter after a Bolden three-pointer.

Cairns took a 35-27 lead into quarter time, the equal-highest scoring opening quarter by a Taipans side under Head Coach Adam Forde, but that’s when the Phoenix took control.

The Taipans scored just 48 points for the remaining three quarters while South East Melbourne, who less than 48 hours earlier lost to the Bullets in Brisbane, played like a side desperate for a victory.

Phoenix took an eight-point lead into the main interval – then scored the first nine points of the third quarter to take complete control of the contest.

SOBEY SIZZLES SNAKES

The Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist kept the home side in the contest early, matching the Taipans offensive onslaught almost point-for-point, scoring 15 in the opening frame.

Sobey continued in the second quarter as the Phoenix made their move, going into the main interval with 24 points.

The 190cm swingman was at his slashing best, getting the basket and the free throw line, while also hitting from the perimeter.

A NBL26 top three MVP candidate, Sobey was scoreless in the third quarter – but the Phoenix already had the momentum.

ONE WAY SHOOTOUT

In a game which was billed to be a battle of the perimeter, it was the Phoenix who shone from beyond the arc.

The home side swished 14 three-points, including seven to Sobey, compared to the Taipans who only connected on eight.

Reyne Smith was the only shining light for the Taipans from long range, swishing four three-pointers as he finished with 14 points and five rebounds.

During the opening quarter blitz, Cairns connected on five of their first seven triples, but only managed another three in the last three quarters.

BOLDEN STEPS UP AGAIN

Once again, it was Bolden with the spark off the bench in the opening half, scoring 15 points in first 20 minutes.

The 203cm forward was again a force at both ends of the floor, but a third foul just before half-time proved costly.

A former NBA Draft pick, Bolden has been averaging 17 points and seven rebounds in the past three victories, and is averaging 11.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per night.

Bolden has been outstanding so far to start the NBL27 season and will continue to be a pivotal piece moving forward.

WHAT’S NEXT

After playing six out of their first eight games on the road, the Taipans are back at home next round to battle New Zealand Breakers at Cairns Convention Centre next Sunday, tip-off at 2:00pm AEST. Make sure to grab your tickets HERE.

‍SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 115 (Sobey 29, Hunter 19, Glover 14) def CAIRNS TAIPANS 83 (Bolden 17, Smith 14, Pinder 11) at John Cain Arena, Melbourne.

BOX SCORE