Cairns topple 36ers
01/22/2012 08:45:08 AM
The Cairns Taipans have consolidated fourth spot on the NBL ladder with a comfortable 86-75 win over the Adelaide 36ers at the Adelaide Arena on Sunday.
The home side did hold the lead early in the last quarter, but a poor play and some inspired basketball from the Taipans saw them take the 11-point win.
Jamar Wilson starred for the visitors, scoring 25 points with Alex Loughton (18 points) and Ian Crosswhite (11) also valuable contributors.
Stephen Weigh was the 36ers’ best with 21 points while Daniel Johnson added 13.
Adelaide flew out of the blocks and actually took a 24-12 lead into the first break before the Taipans found their rhythm at the start of the second.
A 13-4 run enabled Cairns to draw level before getting their noses in front at the long break, 39-35.
The Taipans lead got out to 10 in the third term but Adelaide were never out of it and a Nathan Herbert three-pointer just before the buzzer made it a four-point game going into the last quarter.
The home side that scored a few early baskets to pinch the lead but when Andrew Warren was fouled on a three-point shot, before potting the free-throw the visitors were back in front.
A Marty Clarke tech foul then allowed Wilson to make another two free throws and Cairns gave themselves a huge lead just seconds later thanks to Aaron Grabau’s three-pointer which put the result beyond doubt.