Taipans defeat United in NBL upset sparked by Cole Anthony's 40-point display
Cairns beat Melbourne 107-95, storming back from 12 down to win 35-14 in the fourth term.
The Taipans trailed by 12 points in the third quarter at Melbourne's John Cain Arena before delivering one of the season's biggest upsets. Cole Anthony poured in 40 points in 29 minutes for United before fouling out late.
Keanu Pinder led Cairns with 27 points, while Reyne Smith, Jack McVeigh and Jaylon Brown each scored 20 or more. Cairns' fourth-quarter blitz climbed the team off the foot of the ladder with one of the franchise's finest victories.
Melbourne, the early season favourite, sank to 1-3 after a listless finish.
- Cairns 107, Melbourne 95
- Final score
- 35 points to Melbourne's 14
- Fourth quarter Cairns
- 40 points in 29 minutes
- Cole Anthony scoring
- 1-3
- Melbourne record after loss
Why it mattersThis was one of the NBL's biggest upsets this season, helping Cairns escape the bottom of the ladder with one of the franchise's finest victories.
AustraliaAustralian NBL fans watching Cairns chase trophies this season got a reminder the Taipans can beat anyone when their role players catch fire.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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