The Victorian management over the NBL ladder resumed on Friday night time, with South East Melbourne’s victory over the Cairns Taipans lifting them to second place behind solely native rivals Melbourne United.
The Phoenix went into Cairns Conference Centre with an unwavering focus which noticed them completely smother the Taipans’ offense.
And when it was their flip to attain they did so largely with precision, and even once they didn’t it not often mattered.
Watch stay protection of NBL and WNBL 2025-26 seasons with ESPN on Kayo Sports activities | New to Kayo? Be part of now and get your first month for simply $1.
The Phoenix appeared to have the ability to discover a good look – or make a troublesome one – whether or not there was 18 seconds or two seconds on the shot clock.
The Taipans obtained elevated manufacturing out of their star man in Jack McVeigh, whereas Admiral Schofield discovered some offensive rhythm.
However it was overshadowed by an epic all-round efficiency from the Phoenix, as but once more the Snakes allowed 5 opposition gamers to hit double digits, as Angus Glover led all-comers with 20.
The Taipans gave their residence crowd some moments to cheer about late within the contest as they trimmed the lead again under 20 within the fourth.
However it was apropos of nothing because the Phoenix took care of enterprise and saved themselves in contact with the ladder leaders.
Glover capturing flames
The Phoenix employees may want to start out bringing a conveyable fireplace extinguisher with them to each recreation if Glover goes to remain this sizzling from past the arc.
The 27-year-old New South Welshman had the last word inexperienced gentle to let it fly from properly past the arc, hitting some really back-breaking triples on what had been first rate defensive possessions from Cairns.
For all their woes, the Taipans have been a good group at defending the three this season, they usually continued that development towards most of South East Melbourne. Glover’s vary and effectivity was merely a reduce above, as he completed the primary half capturing 5/8 from lengthy vary with 17 factors.
How United are present Kings of the NBL | 02:46
Turnovers devastate Taipans
Offensive miscues have been half and parcel of the Cairns basketball expertise up to now this season.
However among the errors on Friday night time appeared particularly egregious.
Maybe the obvious severity was compounded by the truth that the Taipans first true possession of the sport noticed Admiral Schofield roughly drop the ball out of bounds on what ought to have been a regulation handoff.
Reside ball turnovers, shot clock violations, stepping out of bounds, this recreation had all of them.
The lineup shuffle has been unending for Cairns, however there’s a degree of disjointedness that simply shouldn’t be potential on the elite degree no matter who’s on the ground.
36ers 2nd after ending dropping streak | 01:00
Mo cash, mo issues
Mojave King continues to benefit from the chance to step into a vital position with the Taipans.
He could not have reached the heights of his sensational 32-point outing final week, however the hustle performs mixed with some well timed makes past the arc made him among the many group’s greatest contributors.
Each he and Forde have answered loads of questions on his speedy rise to prominence, and whereas they’ll look to proceed to maintain a lid on issues, his worth to this aspect is changing into onerous to disclaim after simply 4 appearances.
Match particulars
Cairns Taipans 90 (McVeigh 22, King 16, Schofield 14)
SEM Phoenix 101 (Glover 24, Sobey 17, Brown III 13)