Energised Taipans, Trimble surprise Wildcats
AN offensive masterclass from import guard Melo Trimble delivered the Taipans an upset victory over Perth in Western Australia on Friday night.
In what is just their third win of the season at the time, the American point guard had the hot hand all night, hitting six triples to finish with 32 points in the 79-81 win.
The club’s breakthrough victory against Brisbane earlier this month has given Cairns a second wind in the 2018-19 season, as they have been much more energised and engaged in their two games since.
They could have easily beaten top-of-the-ladder Sydney last week if not for their slow start, and were the better side for close to four quarters in Perth on Friday night.
Rookie coach Mike Kelly has not reinvented the wheel over the last fortnight but at some point, he has convinced his struggling playing group to play with increased energy and effort, which had been lacking at times in 2018.
The Snakes led by three points with just over 15 seconds to play before a Clint Steindl turnover all but handed over the upset victory.
Trimble then iced the game at the free-throw line with three seconds to play.
The 23-year-old owed the club a road win after his brain fade cost them a chance to win in Adelaide late last year.
“We need to keep fighting and never give up,” Trimble said. “Hopefully we can keep this going the rest of the season. Hopefully we can keep winning.”
After a slow start cost Cairns a win over Sydney last start, the Snakes burst out of the gates in one of the more intimidating venues in the NBL, taking a lead into quarter-time.
The visitors shot the lights out in the early stages, including four of their first six threepointers, to extend out to an unlikely 14-point advantage midway through the second term.
Following a quiet December, point guard Trimble brought all his tricks to Perth, drilling 21 points before the first half ended.