Sydney Kings tame Cairns Taipans to snap NBL losing streak

The Sydney Kings survived a third-quarter meltdown and the loss of Todd Blanchfield to defeat Cairns 81-72.

Sydney’s Perry Ellis pushes through Alex Loughton of the Taipans at Qudos Bank Arena last night. Picture: AAP

The Sydney Kings survived a third-quarter meltdown and the loss of Todd Blanchfield to defeat the Cairns Taipans 81-72 at Qudos Bank Arena.

Last-placed Sydney’s NBL win last night was their third in 12 games, breaking a five-game losing skid to keep their slim finals hopes alive.

The Kings did it the hard way, allowing a 23-point lead to be cut to six before American import Jerome Randall nailed clutch shots to ensure victory. Playing his first home game since joining the Kings in October, former Adelaide star Randall was at his best when the Kings needed it, scoring 10 of his 16 points in the second half.

Fellow newcomer Jeremy Tyler was also prominent in his first game in front of Kings fans, posting 15 points and seven rebounds.

Jason Cadee added 16 points for Sydney — all in the first half — while Cam Gliddon (20) and Alex Loughton (19) paced the Taipans.

Ellis left the court with a shoulder injury after two minutes before returning in the second quarter, much to the relief of Sydney coach Andrew Gaze.

Blanchfield clashed heads with teammate Isaac Humphries midway through the second period and didn’t return.

He is expected to miss tomorrow’s rematch with the Taipans in Cairns due to the NBL’s concussion rules.

Sydney were ahead by six at quarter-time before powering to a 51-32 halftime lead.

The Taipans dominated the third period to be down 69-60 heading into the final quarter but never got closer down the stretch.

Both teams will fly to Cairns this morning to prepare for tomorrow night’s clash.

AAP