FOLLOWING a back and forth instalment of the Throwdown series last night, the National Basketball League (NBL) action continues tonight, as the Cairns Taipans host the Brisbane Bullets to resume hostilities for Round 2.

It was a pair of differing results for the two teams during the opening round of the season, and the hosts will be looking to bounce back to get on the winners’ list after a productive offseason, while Brisbane will be eager to make it two from two.

However, despite the contrast in form, the Taipans will get a key recruit into the rotation for this game, and will be every chance to knock off the Bullets in what should be another enthralling game in the 2025/26 season.

Cairns Taipans vs. Brisbane Bullets

Cairns Convention Centre
Friday, September 26 @7:30pm

The Taipans were convincingly bested by the SEM Phoenix in Round 1 in what was a disappointing start to the season from the competition’s northernmost team. Cairns simply struggled to deal with the opposition’s intense defensive pressure and it culminated in a 37-point loss at John Cain Arena on Saturday evening.

One of the biggest areas of concern for the Taipans was the lack of playmaking, with the team committing a whopping 13 turnovers in the first half of play, and that proved decisive in the result of the game. Cairns unfortunately did not have a designated playmaker and it truly hurt the team’s offensive chances by giving the ball up too easily.

However, the Taipans are getting a key reinforcement for their clash against the Bullets, with newly signed guard Andrew Andrews set to take over the point guard role in his first game for the club. Although it may take him a while to find his feet, Andrews has shown his capabilities at NCAAM level in the past, leading the Pac-12 in scoring as a senior, and if he can bring a calming presence and some reliability on the offensive end, it will be a huge boost for the Taipans.

His addition should help open up scoring opportunities for million-dollar recruit Jack McVeigh and import forward Admiral Schofield, both of whom were forced to take tough shots last week. If the pair can be freed up by Andrews’ presence, the Taipans will be a lot more dangerous offensively.

The Bullets were able to cross the Tasman and get the job done in Round 1, defeating the New Zealand Breakers by nine points at Spark Arena on Friday night, showing just why their import trio is considered among the best in the competition.

Crucially, Brisbane was able to post triple digits in the points column and look extremely potent on the offensive end. Casey Prather was back to his best with a game-high 27 points, Tyrell Harrison was a dominant force inside the paint with 24 points and 15 boards and Jaylen Adams controlled the temp with 14 points and seven assists.

Star recruit Javon Freeman-Liberty was equally as impressive with a balanced showing of 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals, and remains the point of difference for the Bullets. He showed his ability to conjure a highlight with a ‘Statue of Liberty’ poster dunk over the opposition in an early contender for slam of the year, and has the potential to break tonight’s game open as well.