After losing three games in a row and falling to second last on the ladder, the Cairns Taipans have bounced back into the top four with two great wins in Round 7 of the NBL.

Losing to Melbourne in Round 5 and then to Perth at home in Round 6 saw the Snakes slump to their lowest position on the ladder this year, and with the focus put on the imports to perform the Taipans dispelled any fears of a fruitless season.

The start of Round 7 saw the Snakes travel to Sydney on Thursday to take on a team that needed to get some home court mojo happening. This game was going to be a hugely positive turning point for one of the teams.

The Snakes had their backs to the wall amid growing speculation that things in the land of asps weren’t rosy. On top of this they were playing in a city were the Taipans have never come home with a win, and were without Dusty Rychart (arguably, pound for pound the most important player in the Cairns line up).

From the tip off the Snakes eased into a positive offensive pattern and skipped out to a seven piont lead in the first three minutes, losing their advantage as easily as the earned it and by the time the first hooter went the Snakes were down by two; 19- 21.

In the second stanza a Taipans' offensive barrage was put to the Kings and by half time the Snakes had gained the advantage by seven with 26 points added by the visitors and Warren adding nine of his game high 21.

The third quarter witnessed a seesawing game with the Taipans adding another two points to their lead stretching it out to nine at three quarter time.

The last was once again won by the visitors as the Snakes went on a 23-14 rampage securing an 18 point win and breaking the Sydney hoodoo.

After a two day break the Taipans were at home to the reigning title holders New Zealand Breakers. The Taipans having lost their last two games at home were keen to turn their home court back into their fortress.

In a close game throughout, the Breakers had a very handy 11 point lead early in the last quarter and were looking as the better team coming to the end of the game.

Then stepped up Jamar Wilson with an awe inspiring last quarter, guiding the Snakes to a two point win 80-78.

The Taipans have a break now until their next home game on Friday 2 December.

Catch you on the rebound.

Double Oh

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