Last Friday night at the Snake Pit rates up there as one of the all time great games from the Taipans, not just due to the fact that they came away with a win at home again, but more the way they went about systematically shutting down a potent scoring Gold Coast team.

The first quarter was a classic free-flowing offensive game by both teams with the Blaze being out by as much as five during the stanza. Aaron Grabau put up one of his best quarters this year posting nine points and helping his team back to just a two point deficit at the end of the first 10 minutes - Blaze up 23-21.

The Blaze posted the first points of the second quarter and within ten seconds Alex Loughton banged in a long range three to cut the deficit to one. An arm wrestle continued for the next nine minutes with the teams level pegging until Jamar Wilson dropped down two points with four seconds on the clock to give the home team momentum going into the half time Break- The Taipans up 42-40.

This advantage was held throughout the third quarter with the Snakes up 60-58 by three quarter time. A little niggle was creeping into the game with the Coasts' Jason Cadee called for an unsportsmanlike foul and their coach Joey Wright on the edge of a meltdown.

In the last quarter the Taipans skipped out to an early five point lead and with the heat on the Blaze, their foul count was starting to mount. With five minutes left to play the Snakes were up by nine until a late scoring surge saw their lead dwindle down to as little four with 1:25 still on the clock and coach Aaron Fearne calling a much needed time out.

At the resumption of play the Taipans took full control, and Blaze coach Wright losing all control being called for a tech foul and ensuring a win for the home team.

Key stats:
Wilson 23 points (11 of those from the charity stripe)
Loughton 20 points and 6 boards
Warren 15 points
Crosswhite 10 boards.
The Snakes shot at 43% from the field and 47% from the land of plenty.

Once again the Taipans have stamped their authority at home leaving 4500 fans elated at another win.

Note: To one Steve Carfino, commentator for One HD, your comments on the way the crowd look and calling them UGLY in looks is not appreciated and uncalled for. My Mum told me “If you cant say anything nice don’t say anything at all.” Take heed Steve, because maybe next time the crowd may be what you say.

On Sunday, two days after a great win at home the Snakes travelled to Sydney to take on the Kings Who had their backs to the wall with an axe hovering over their heads if a home win was not forthcoming.

The Taipans started very sluggishly and was behind the eight ball from the get-go and were down by 10 at half time, cutting that margin in half by the end of the third, and going down by that five point margin by the time the final hooter had sounded.

Key stats:
Warren 19 points
Wilson 10 & 9
Crossy dragged down another 10 boards.
The percentages killed the Snakes with 33% from the field and 23% from three-point land.

This Saturday night sees the Taipans take on Melbourne, and with some pure venom running through their veins the Snakes fan base will lift the roof and help their team to an eight point win.

Tipoff 7.30pm.

In other games NZ to beat the Blaze, Sydney will lose at home to the 36ers, Clownsville will belt the Kings at home, the Gong need a win an will get it at home vs the Wildcats and in the last game of the round 36ers to win at home against a leg weary Breakers outfit.

Catch you on the rebound.

Double Oh 


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