‘Snake’ Roberts bite United

Josh Roberts and the Cairns Taipans have stunned Melbourne United this weekend in a vicious 12-point victory at John Cain Arena.

Roberts cooked Goulding and Company with a professional career-high of 22 points, five rebounds, and three blocks (career-high) with 10/11 shooting from the field in 27 minutes of court action.

The first-year professional has barely played all season for Adam Forde’s Snakes outfit but his grit and determination in their final quarter run against Brisbane caused a change to the starting five.

More impressively than his numbers, was his great defensive game on United big Jo Lual-Acuil, who finished with an NBL season-worst -30 +/-. JLA finished with nine points and nine rebounds on 3/8 shooting.

Adam Forde spoke post-game to media how big his impact was on the contest.

“Huge,” Forde said.

“The statsheet showed it, the energy on the court showed it and that’s what we’re really looking for the energy. If Josh didn’t have 22… the impact he made by his energy and effort out there was really important.”

Roberts was the co-star to the game’s MVP in import guard Patrick Miller who had 32 points, 10 assists and three steals on a ridiculous 12/16 shooting from the field.

Cairns now has a 5/7 record, sitting just outside the play-in bubble in seventh. They play host to the back-to-back champions Sydney Kings this Thursday night.

Top Scorers

Cairns Taipans

Patrick Miller – 32 points, three rebounds, 10 assists, three steals

Josh Roberts – 22 points, five rebounds, three blocks

Tahjere McCall – 23 points, four rebounds, six assists, four steals, one block

Melbourne United

Chris Goulding – 23 points, two rebounds, two assists

Matthew Dellavedova – 21 points, two rebounds, nine assists

Ariel Hukporti – 13 points, six rebounds, +20 +/-