United wary of Cairns
MELBOURNE United coach Dean Demopoulos has warned against complacency ahead of tonight’s crunch clash with the winless Cairns Taipans.
United dropped to fifth on the ladder after last Sunday’s bitter loss to Perth Wildcats and must bounce back to avoid losing touch with the top four.
The Snakes return home for the first time this season after losing their first three games on the road. “They’re a dangerous team, especially up there, and we have our work cut out for us,” Demopoulos said.
“This league is even, evensteven. I think it’s a snake fight every night out. Everybody in this league you prepare and you take your best shot with them but know that they’re capable of kicking your a---.”
The crunch clash also pits United against former captain and two-time Olympian Mark Worthington who “ties it all up together”.
United star Cedric Jackson have to lock in and try to get another tough win on the road,” Jackson said.
“They have a lot of weapons, a lot of shooters. (Nathan) Jawai is a force down the post so we will definitely have to do our job as a team.”
Jackson is likely to have the job on Taipans import Travis Trice, who looks to be finding his feet.
Trice finished with 11 points and three assists in last week’s loss to Adelaide 36ers.
United guard Ramone Moore said the quick back-up from Sunday’s loss would help the team.
“It’s always good (to play again) because you don’t want to dwell on the losses as much,” Moore said.
“(We) looked at the things we can do better and just try to improve.
“I think Cairns will come sharp and ready to go.”
United will be without Boomer Chris Goulding (ankle) but remain hopeful of getting him back to play New Zealand Breakers on November 4 at Hisense Arena.