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The Cairns Taipans might have managed to record a six point win over the Adelaide 36ers on Friday Night as round 18 of the NBL rolled on, but it wasn’t enough to help them stay in contention for the play-offs.
It was a night of losses for both teams, as the 36ers went down for their second consecutive loss, while the Taipans finals hopes were ended.
Coming into the game, they sat in sixth position, with the possibility of tying in terms of games won and lost with the Adelaide 36ers, but were 11 points behind in their season series, meaning they had to win by 12 if they were to get ahead of the 36ers on the ladder at seasons’ end.
A six point win simply wasn’t enough in the end, and the dejected looks on the faces told the whole story.
It was always going to be an uphill battle for the 36ers, playing their second consecutive game without the injured Jerome Randle.
After suffering their equal biggest loss of the season to the New Zealand Breakers in the last meeting, it was important they stayed in this one and there was enough positive signs for them moving forward.
After a slow start, where the Taipans had a 10 point lead by quarter time, it was looking like it could have turned into another blow out against the 36ers. However, it wasn’t to be as Adam Gibson expertly led the recovery effort.
That was only after Mark Worthington had scored 15 points in the first half.
Gibson wouldn’t do enough to be man of the match though, as that honour went to Cameron Gliddon. His three point shooting was electric, and at times single handedly kept the Taipans in the match.
Gibson was well supported by Mitch Creek, Anthony Petrie and Lucas Walker. Ebi Ere though, who could have turned the game around was very quiet before being fouled out. Daniel Johnson and Shaun Bruce were also fouled out in the back end of the game.
The 36ers never led the match at an interval, and despite some good stretches throughout just never put a run together for long enough to seriously trouble the 36ers.
In the back end of the game, the Taipans almost blew the win in the search for their 12 point victory. At the end of the day, it was the only path they could have undertaken, with it being completely necessary for them to win by that margin.
The Taipans finish their season on the road against the New Zealand Breakers and Townsville Crocodiles, being the first team in the NBL to play all their games.
The 36ers meanwhile, face two tough road games against the Illawarra Hawks and Perth Wildcats, and you would think they need to win at least one to make the finals if the Breakers can play to their potential over the closing part of the season.
Tonight in Cairns though, the Taipans win the game, but finish as losers in the long run.
Final Score:
Cairns Taipans 95
Adelaide 36ers 89
The Adelaide 36ers will have to do it the hard way when they travel north to play the Cairns Taipans without Jerome Randle. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the match from 7:15pm (AEDT).
In the last match of Round 17, as the 36ers defeated the Illawarra Hawks by 14, MVP contender Randle went down with injury.
He is expected to be ruled out for the rest of the regular season, and an on-time recovery should see him back for the start of the finals series.
In their first game without Randle, the 36ers went down to the New Zealand Breakers by 22 points. They were unable to keep up in attack with Cedric Jackson and Corey Wesbter, who scored 59 points between them.
They currently sit in fourth place, and are only one game ahead of the New Zealand Breakers with three games to play.
The Taipans meanwhile, must win all of their remaining games, and tonight’s by at least 12 points, to remain in mathematical contention for the finals. They currently sit in sixth position, three games back from the 36ers. Their season series with the 36ers currently sees them a game down and 12 points behind.
The Taipans had two games last week, going down by 10 to the Perth Wildcats and defeating the Sydney Kings by five.
With no Randle on the floor, it is going to be up to Adam Gibson and Ebi Ere to deliver the creativity and scoring. Controlling Markel Starks is also going to be a massive challenge, as he could bury the 36ers on his own.
Both teams have been known for lacking defence this year, so whoever comes out with the more aggressive intent could run away with the match.
Prediction
The Taipans will play aggressively, knowing it’s no good winning by any less than 12. They might not do that, but they should get the win.
Taipans by 8.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage from 7:15pm (AEDT), and don’t forget to comment below as the match unfolds.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde