Perth Wildcats lose third game on the trot, going down 71-61 away to Cairns Taipans

CAIRNS Taipans kept their faint playoff hopes alive on Wednesday night, upstaging the highly fancied Perth Wildcats 71-61 at Cairns Convention Centre.

Taipans player Cameron Gliddon runs the ball through the Perth Wildcats defence during there clash at the Cairns Convention Centre. PICTURE: JUSTIN BRIERTY

THE Cairns Taipans kept their faint playoff hopes alive on Wednesday night, upstaging the highly-fancied Perth Wildcats 71-61 at Cairns Convention Centre.

In front of a sizeable midweek crowd Cairns set up the upset 10-point win in the third quarter, an inspired 18-9 run providing the impetus for the emotion-charged result.

Torrey Craig (15 points, 12 rebounds) was again outstanding for the Taipans while Shaun Bruce (10 points) and Mark Worthington (13 points and six rebounds) each made strong contributions.

Although a playoff berth remains a long shot Cairns needs only to channel the Adelaide 36ers who this time last year found themselves in exactly the same position as Cairns with eight wins and 11 losses before a miraculous 9-0 run saw them qualify for the post season.

Cairns were brilliant in the final quarter, continually forcing the Wildcats into turnovers while converting enough of their own opportunities to record one of their best wins of the year.

In a further boost US import Markel Starks made a successful return from injury playing 17 minutes before being rested late in the match, while Stephen Weigh missed his third game in a row.

Cairns was on from the get go, a 17-14 lead at quarter time converted to a 30-26 buffer at the main break.

The Taipans surged in the third and fourth quarters giving their fans a glimmer of hope ahead of Friday night’s match-up against Townsville.

Originally published as Perth Wildcats lose third game on the trot, going down 71-61 away to Cairns Taipans