Taipans hanging in there - just

Round 17 of the National Basketball League wasn’t a great one for the Cairns Taipans with the Far North Queensland team winning only one out of three games.

The South East Melbourne Phoenix recorded a 85-80 victory over the Cairns Taipans last Wednesday night.

The Taipans remained in second despite the defeat but suffered a major blow with Most Improved Player contender Keanu Pinder leaving the game late in the third after a knock to the face.

Pinder has been shortlisted, along with fellow First Nations player Will McDowell-White (New Zealand Breakers) and Sean Macdonald (Tasmania JackJumpers) for the NBL’S Most Improved Player.

The Taipan’s grip on second spot was strengthened after an important 94-87 victory over the Brisbane Bullets on Sunday despite Pinder’s absence.

The Bullets fought hard until the end but some sharp shooting beyond the arc from bench player, Majok Deng, proved the difference.

Three starters – DJ Hogg, Tahjere McCall and Bul Kuol – each scored 23 points.

To close out the round, Taipans played Adelaide 36ers at home on Monday night but couldn’t get the win, losing by just three points – 99 to 96.

Fatigue may have been a factor due to the Taipans had played three games in six days.

Earlier this week, their second placing on the NBL ladder was safe, however, other games’ results in Round 18 may see them drop from the top two position.

Tomorrow night they are on the road again to play the Perth Wildcats.

The NBL Awards will be held next Tuesday 7 February.

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