Cairns Taipans Prepare for Must-Win Game Against New Zealand Breakers

Cairns, Australia — The Cairns Taipans are gearing up for a critical match against the New Zealand Breakers this Sunday, aiming to snap a challenging home losing streak in the NBL. The stakes are high as both teams sit at the bottom of the standings, with the Taipans currently holding a 1-7 record at home.

With the recent FIBA Break approaching, both teams are eager for a win to build momentum. Cairns and New Zealand are ranked last and second-to-last respectively, making every game vital for their chances to remain competitive this season.

The Taipans’ star player, Jack McVeigh, recently showcased his shooting ability, scoring a career-high 39 points in a narrow overtime loss against the Adelaide 36ers last week. McVeigh’s season average of 18.8 points per game has been crucial for the Taipans, who collectively average the lowest points per game in the league at 80.4.

“If we’re going to win, McVeigh needs to perform again,” said Cairns coach Adam Forde, emphasizing McVeigh’s importance to the team. Forde also highlighted the Breakers’ strong lineup, mentioning players Sam Mennenga and Parker Jackson-Cartwright as significant threats.

The Breakers have had an impressive record against the Taipans, winning their last six meetings. Coach Petteri Koponen acknowledged the need for his team to play a complete game, stating, “A basketball game lasts 40 minutes, and we need to manage the runs better.”

Cairns is dealing with injuries as well, with players Alex Higgins-Titsha, Kody Stattmann, Kyle Adnam, Reyne Smith, and Sam Waardenburg expected to miss the match. In contrast, New Zealand has reported no injuries within their roster.

The upcoming match is pivotal, not only for the teams’ standings but also for their confidence as they head into the next section of the season.