Cairns Taipans defeat Melbourne ahead of home game versus NZ Breakers

A resounding win by the Snakes proved they can dominate on the road but can they break their home game hoodoo when they play NZ Breakers on Sunday? Read what coach Adam Forde said post-game.

A sensational victory by the Cairns Taipans showed their ability to regroup when they conquered Melbourne United 81-77 on a career-best showing from Keanu Pinder.

While the Taipans have maintained their unbeaten record of wins at road games, the orange army will be keen to cheer on their heroes when they take on the New Zealand Breakers in Cairns on Sunday.

On Thursday night the Taipans showed ferocity and tenacity to beat Melbourne who although they led by 14 points midway through the third quarter, Cairns managed to respond with finesse and score the next 22 points to turn that into an eight-point lead just before three quarter-time.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 20: Keanu Pinder of the Taipans drives to the basket under pressure from Isaac Humphries of United during the round four NBL match between Melbourne United and Cairns Taipans at John Cain Arena, on October 20, 2022, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Melbourne again opened a six-point lead midway through the fourth, before Cairns displayed their grit with the next nine points to then hold on in a thrilling finish to beat Melbourne for the first time in the last 10 attempts.

Cairns outscored Melbourne 11-1 in the final four minutes to move into second place on the ladder (on percentage) with the same 4-1 record as first-placed Sydney.

Keanu Pinder starred for the Taipans with 26 points and 10 rebounds, with Cairns coach Adam Forde calling him the best centre in the league after the game.

Forde said while the win was fantastic, he is aiming for a more even scoring approach from the squad.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 20: Taipans head coach½ Adam Forde reacts during the round four NBL match between Melbourne United and Cairns Taipans at John Cain Arena, on October 20, 2022, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

“I don’t want this to become a consistent thing,” he said.

“I don’t want to be down 10 every game and then decide to come out and play.

“We know with this team we have to do it defensively and then when the floodgates open up, they will open up and that 22-0 run was our floodgate moment tonight so I’m happy with the boys.”

Taipans player DJ Hogg who scored 13 points, said the team were, “going pretty well on the road.”

“Now we’ve got one at home on Sunday,” he said.

“We have to put a show on for our fans there, and give them something to come to our games for.

“We came out a little flat tonight, our shots weren’t falling, and the ball was sticking a little bit.

“In the second half we picked it up and even though they went on a little run, we were able to weather the storm and focus on figuring out how to win the game.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 20: Ben Ayre of the Taipans celebrates winning the round four NBL match between Melbourne United and Cairns Taipans at John Cain Arena, on October 20, 2022, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Shannon Scott (19 points, 9 assists) also stepped up for the Taipans in the win.

The loss drops United to 2-3 on the season, with all their losses coming at home.

Xavier Rathan-Mayes had 21 points while Rayjon Tucker had 19 points and 10 rebounds.

The Taipans will play the NZ Breakers at the Snakepit on Sunday 23 October at 1:00pm AEST.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 20: Makuach Maluach of United passes the ball during the round four NBL match between Melbourne United and Cairns Taipans at John Cain Arena, on October 20, 2022, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Originally published as Cairns Taipans defeat Melbourne ahead of home game versus NZ Breakers