The Taipans dug deep to win their third on the trot and hang on to fourth place on the ladder on Friday night, but came close to being upset by this seasons' cellar dwellers - Wollongong.

It was shooting guard Drew Warren who once again put the side on his back and brought them home with some fine three point shooting. Warren finished with 17 for the game, 12 of which came in the pivotal fourth quarter when the game was on the line.

He did the same last week in Adelaide and is proving to be one of the class import pick ups for this season along with point guard Jamar Wilson.

The game of the round, however, goes to the rivals we love to hate - Townsville. The Crocs hung on for a double overtime win against Sydney on Saturday night which has been touted as the most entertaining win ever at the Croc Pit.

I caught the game on TV and must admit it was a beauty and far more entertaining than the sloppy win by the Taipans.

A  win is always a win, however, and whilst it seems a few of the Cairns' boys are struggling for form it's always a good sign to still get the 'W'. To be a game clear in the four is a sensational effort thus far in the season and coach Fearne is starting to get some serious respect in his profession.

Some experts (me) say he should be considered for the defensive coaching role of our Olympic squad. It may be a few years away, however, but keep up the good work Fearney!

Speaking of class imports, last years' Cairns duo of Ubaka and Dorsey are completely stinking it up at the Melbourne Tigers.

Dorsey seems to have completely lost his confidence and all round game and if it wasn't for his big game heroics last season up here, would probably already be on a plane home. Ubaka, however, has just been cut!

You may have heard it here first but my good buddy who knows everything about the Tigers tweeted me that Ubaka got his marching orders after another dismal performance last night in a loss to the Gold Coast.

Tigers owner Seamus McPeake walked into the locker room after the win and sacked Ubaka without even consulting coach Trev Gleeson who was in a media conference at the time.

His reasons included Ubaka failed to show at a compulsory function during the week. My spies also tell me that it's in the coach's contract that he is the only one who can cut players.

The Tigers have started a very tumultuos week and could this be the end of the coach as well or have they got Patty Mills on the way back?

Interestingly enough, Ubaka was not re-signed by Gold Coast for off court behaviour yet had a pearler of a season up here last year. You're definitely doing something right coach Fearne so keep bringing it home for Cairns! 

Missed a local sports story? Check out our Sports Archive.