The two best performances for the Cairns Taipans this NBL season have now come against the ladder-leading Melbourne United following an impressive 95-78 New Year’s Eve home victory.
The Snakes put up 115 points in a 12-point win in Melbourne against United back on December 3 to snap a three-game losing run.
They came into Sunday’s match up having lost their past two once again.
A sold out Cairns Convention Centre greeted them for their annual New Year’s Eve fixture, and they responded with an outstanding performance from the start.
The Taipans assumed control in attack, through a combination of working under Melbourne’s defence and the visitors’ errant long-range shooting of 10-of-22 from behind the arc.
Little-used forward Josh Roberts lifted Cairns to a 26-19 lead by quarter-time before it was Sam Mennenga who took charge in the second term to inspire a 45-40 halftime advantage.
The Taipans’ lead was out to 10 midway through the third quarter, but Melbourne gained the momentum for the only time when a foul was overturned on a Dean Vickerman coach challenge.
United then scored 11 straight points, with Chris Goulding nailing three triples, to take the lead, but again the home team responded.
Mennenga hit his fourth three of the game to give Cairns the 66-63 three quarter-time lead before the home team dominated the final term.
The Taipans scored 14 consecutive points to go from four up to lead by 18, eventually winning by 17.
Cairns improved to 9-11 to remain in a play-in position while handing Melbourne their first road loss of the season.
While Mennenga starred for the Snakes with 22 points and 10 rebounds on 6-of-11 three-point shooting, he was far from their only standout.
Patrick Miller top-scored with 31 points to go with five assists with Tahjere McCall adding 15 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, and Bul Kuol 12 points, five boards and four assists.
United, still first at 14-4, were best served by Jo Lual-Acuil with 15 points, and Chris Goulding and Ian Clark with 14 apiece.