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The Cairns Taipans recorded their first home win of the season on Friday, beating Melbourne United 97-72.
The Snakes were strong in offence and defence, putting on a show that made local fans very happy.
The Taipans went into the game without Tahjere McCall, Sam Waardenburg, Mirko Djeric, and Jonah Antonio.
Honours were even at quarter time, but the Taipans found their rhythm in the second quarter to lead by eight at half time.
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The home side had the crowd on its feet in the third quarter, piling on 30 points to just 10 from Melbourne to lead 71-43 at three quarter-time.
At one point in the final term, the Taipans led by 40, and went on to win by 25.
Six Cairns players scored double-figures. Keanu Pinder got 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Bul Kuol made 18 points, DJ Hogg 17, Ben Ayre 16, Shannon Scott 13, and Majok Deng scored 10 points.
The Taipans forced United into 20 turnovers from which they scored 30 points.
Taipans coach, Adam Forde, said the home win is a step in the right direction.
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“The defensive end is where the game is won and lost and the guys that we recruited bring it every day and every night.
“It was a great energy out there and I'm always supportive of anyone who backs us, and the loyal fans came out to support us in force tonight, so it was great.”
Taipans guard, Ben Ayre, said it’s always satisfying to win at home.
"It was good out there and I think the crowd deserves that, so we were happy to put on a show for them tonight."
The Taipans play the Bullets in Brisbane on November 19.
Main points
- Taipans beat Melbourne United 97-72
- It's their first home win of the season
- Cairns plays the Bullets in Brisbane on November 19
