Should be an easy Brisbane win based on last round, but the game is going to reveal a lot about Cairns IMO. Still no import PG, but how will they respond after that woeful performance in round 1? If Brisbane have any sense they will press the absolute shit out of Cairns until they show they can get the ball across halfcourt and initiate an offense more confidently than an under 12s social team.

Even if Cairns limit the turnovers I'm not sure they have enough firepower to keep up if JFL and Prather continue their form. And of course Adams can get hot... although that's seemed fewer and further between since his 2nd stint in Sydney.

But hey, lots of wasted possessions in round 1 for Cairns, so hopefully with less turnovers and more possessions Schofield and McVeigh in particular might be able to show their worth. Galloway as well really needs to step up on both ends with the shallow frontcourt and allow them to play small and give Lee a breather. He started strong last season and faded away IIRC, and needs to do more than just chuck 3s and block shots - he's capable of it.

Andrews cleared to play. Even underdone, that drastically improves our chances.

Agreed, Damo 75. Andrews inclusion is really good news for the Taipans and all the fans. Looks like we can add the Adams v Andrews match-up to the others.

Further news is that Mitch Norton, back-up PG for the Bullets, will be out for around 8 weeks after a knee hyper-extension during the Round 1 clash v NZ. Then read, "Tad Dufelmeier joins the Bullets as an Injury Replacement Player".

In my previous post, when I wrote, "Harrison and Adams should both up against Lee should dominate in the paint for Brisbane.", I meant to write, "Harrison, up against Lee, should dominate in the paint and Adams, without Andrews should both have it easier for Brisbane." By the way, no disrespect to Lee who, IMO, is a first class centre but not the offensive equal to Harrison.

Make more sense?

Excited to see what Andrews brings to the team albeit short preparation. Low-end expectations would sort if be similar to Shannon Scott's numbers (10/4/5) when he played in Cairns, anything around DJ Newbill numbers in his last season in Cairns (18/3/3), will make us very competitive. All three combo guards, similar body-types.

I'm definitely expecting the Newbill numbers. If we're to have any sort of chance this season that will be the minimum required from him.

If we get half that tonight in 20-odd min would be a good start on 1-day prep. Anything more is a bonus.

I'm sorry for you bullets supporter, I’ve underestimated them so I can’t see them losing tonight, now that’s a worry for you bullets fans. Brisbane starters are very good and Harrison is just starting to realise how good he can be. Taipans at home will make this a good contest, Andrew’s certainly will help, I just can’t see them getting over the line. Andrew’s might also have McDaniel breathing down his neck, Prather v McVeigh should be reasonably even as well so no tiapans win there. Brisbane by eight.

McDaniel limped off in strange looking collision.

21-17 to Cairns, it's what happens when I tip you. Bullets not looking great, McDaniel big loss. Cairns looking so much better.

45-41 Cairns, bullets struggling without either Norton and McDaniel on D. Enjoyable game. Refs again doing good, imo it was a block and not a charge by McVeigh.

Prather in foul trouble. Harrison is a beast, I wish he could be a boomer.

Two big threes by Cairns to finish the quarter. 61-56 Cairns.

McVeigh on triple double watch.

Not gonna lie, looks like Vanderjagt is actually the bullets coach.

I think the Taipans may end up getting a lot of their wins this season through that scrappy, ugly style we saw tonight.

Need another big

Anyone know much about Jed Richardson? He's a big kid sat at the end of the bench and without knowing much of his game could see him in the rotation for another big body

The commentary is so biased to Cairns it's disgusting otherwise it’s was a good game.Stattmann plus 18, Tisha-Higgins plus 20. TSM minus 18, Murray minus 12, tale of two benches. Andrew’s looking like a very good addition, McVeigh really produced, for Brisbane Prather, Harrison and Freeman-Liberty were great but they are in trouble now with injuries, Norton, McDaniel, and Freeman-Liberty all looking out for a stretch of time.

That game didn't fill me with confidence in either team.

Brisbane were completely cooked whenever Harrison went off and they've got a head coach who sounds like an under 16 3rd team coach, meanwhile Cairns new import PG struggled badly other than a 5 minute stretch in the 3rd.

Was Waardenburg on the bench tonight? I didn't see him

Soundly beaten by Cairns tonight and for mine, new import Andrews partly responsible. We (the Bullets) were closing the gap on Cairns while Andrews was getting to know his new surrounds. Once acquainted, his contribution of 8 pts, at that stage of the game (Taipans hanging on to a final quarter lead) was vital. Of course, we all know who put the cherry on top. Congrats to Cairns on an important win.

Brisbane's loss wasn't a surprise. A disappointment, certainly, Starting this game down Mitch Norton (8 weeks?) on the injury list, and only having shown enough confidence in our last outing to play just 2 of our bench, had me worried. Losing McDaniel (ankle) in under 4 mins of court-time, in this contest, was a danger sign which robbed Brisbane of their best defender. I still felt that we had enough fire-power to record a win. Yeah, right!

McVeigh should be declared an illegal entity and banned from our league. He and Schofield equal top-score for Cairns with 19 pts each. McVeigh added 9 rebounds and 9 assists (triple-double) before delivering the last of his 19 pts in the final minute of the game to give Cairns the ultimate win.

For Brisbane, Harrison was dominant in the paint with 22 pts and 7 boards. JFL (Javon Freeman-Liberty) added 21 pts and Casey Prather had 18 to lead the Bullet's scorers.

Cairns should make the effort to celebrate that win 'cos they come up against Sydney, in Sydney, on Sunday. Good news for the Taipans is that I predict the Kings winning that one which gives Cairns a perfect chance to actually win.

Brisbane has much the same task on the same day, just a different city and a different team. It's Adelaide and the 36ers. Brisbane will be without Norton and now, presumably McDaniel, too. However, using the same reasoning as for the Sydney/Cairns game, I predict Adelaide for the win(teehee!).

(nearly a triple-double).

I enjoyed Prather better half on the sideline, she is very good, the rest of the commentary was woeful, I don't know why they think it has to be a talk fest.

Always enjoy reading your posts RobT, keep it up