IN-FORM SNAKES EYEING AN UPSET
THEY have taken beatings in their last two meetings, but the Snakes are in form and hoping for an upset in their clash with South East Melbourne Phoenix on Saturday.
Cairns has won two of its last three matches, with its only loss coming at the hands of the Phoenix.
Scott Machado, who started the season cold and injured, has become more reliable in the twilight of NBL22.
He said there was marked improvement between the loss to SEM Phoenix in January (87-77) to the Taipans’ defeat last round, further heartening the team in its lost season.
“We adjusted last game against Phoenix, normally you see us stay in it and in the final quarter, the wheels fall off and it’ll be a 20-point loss,” 31year-old Machado said.
“Against them, it was a 10-point loss – we’re trying to keep it close again to make sure we can get a win this time.
“We’re doing well in in-game adjustments and trying to develop as a group.
“It will be really big for us to be able to sustain that for four quarters.”
Another player to hit hiss t r i d e after early season injuries is strong forward Kouat Noi.
The 24-year-old scored 12 points off the bench in the team’s recent loss to the Phoenix, backed up by a 19point, six rebound rampage in a three-point win against the New Zealand Breakers.
After their battle with the Phoenix at the Snakepit, the Taipans will head south to take on the Breakers in Tasmania on Monday night.
The sense of deja vu will be used to the team’s advantage, according to Noi.
“It gives us a feeling, a game plan,” he said. “They’re similar teams with game plans so it’s good to just go out there and change stuff from last time.”