Keanu Pinder in a challenge for the ball. Credit: NBL.

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The Cairns Taipans have notched up a fourth victory in five NBL match-ups, with a ten point win over the New Zealand Breakers in Tasmania last night.

In a rematch from last Sunday’s closed-door game at the Cairns Convention Centre, the Snakes beat the Breakers 87 points to 77.

Keanu Pinder was the star with 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists -  unlike their previous tousle, when he was fouled off in the first ten minutes.

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Scott Machado’s game was also on, scoring 15 points, four assists and three rebounds while Kouat Noi fell just short of a double-double with nine points and a career-best 14 rebounds.

Majok Deng was another strong performer with 19 points and seven boards and Rookie of the Year contender Bul Kuol had 11 points.

Taipans coach Adam Forde said it was a great victory given the team remains short-staffed, with Tahjere McCall, Stephen Zimmerman and Mirko Djeric all injured.

Coach Adam Forde. Credit: NBL

"The boys are enjoying their basketball which is probably what is most fun, but I'll definitely take the win," he said.

"We're still down some bodies as well so there's times where I'll get frustrated if we get outrebounded for a possession or make a poor rotation, and it's a quick sub because we're still quite short staffed.

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"We could try to explain why we're losing or why we go through a bad stretch, but the boys respond regardless if I deliver my message with positivity or with a little bit more venom to it.

“They respond and that's why I love the group just because of what they're capable of doing."

The win follows a thrilling 90-85 victory over the Melbourne Phoenix at their home stadium on Saturday night and victory against the Brisbane Bullets in round 16, moving the Taipans to eighth on the NBL ladder.

The team will remain in Hobart to face the Tasmania JackJumpers on Friday, before heading home to take on Melbourne United at the Cairns Convention Centre on Sunday afternoon.

Only three home games remain before the end of the season.

For tickets, head to the Taipans website.

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Main points

  • The Cairns Taipans beat the NZ Breakers 87 to 77 last night
  • It's their third consecutive victory and their fourth win in five games
  • The Taipans will be back at home this weekend against Melbourne United
The guys are working hard and I have to tip my hat to them because we could make every excuse.
adam forde
CAIRNS TAIPANS HEAD COACH