Tigers break Taipans' spirit

NBL title contenders the Melbourne Tigers waited until overtime before clicking their offence into gear to shrug off the dogged Cairns Taipans.

The win keeps the Tigers' premiership aspirations on track, but by no means will it inspire team confidence after a dismal shooting performance.

With the scores tied at 83-83 at the end of normal time, the Tigers saved their best for last, going on a 12-5 run to seal the victory.

Dave Thomas starred for the Tigers with 17 points and 15 rebounds, while David Stiff impressed with 16 and 11. Darnell Mee again proved his class with 24-point effort, but apart from Martin Cattalini, support was thin.

A sluggish first term saw both teams struggle to find their groove in offence, and despite a litany of errors at either end, a 10-0 run by Cairns edged them to a 23-20 break at the first change.

The Taipans continued to look more threatening in the second term, but they failed to capitalise on the Tigers dreadful errors as much as coach Alan Black would have hoped.

The hosts posted a dismal 16 of 42 from the field, but the Taipans, at 19 from 42, weren't much better as the visitors led 45-39 at the main break.

The third quarter was expected to see a Melbourne revival, and it looked like one would materialise when a Dave Thomas fast-break dunk put them back in front.

But Cairns refused to yield, maintaining its focus to lead 68-60 at the final change.

Al Westover's team launched into one final charge, and when Chris Anstey levelled the scores at 74-74 with 5:30 on the clock with a clutch three-pointer - followed by Darryl McDonald's trickery under the basket to sneak the Tigers ahead - victory seemed inevitable.

As they had done all night, Cairns fought back, and with just nine seconds remaining, Darnell Mee levelled the scores to force the game into overtime.

But extra-time proved to be one challenge too many for the visitors as the Tigers clicked into gear, clocking up a 12-5 run to cement their 23rd win of the season.

"I think they're a quality team, a finals team and a possible first round (finals) opponent," said Westover.

"It was a game we needed going into the finals. It wasn't a pretty win, but the guys showed a lot determination, guts and character to manage to get the win.

"We missed several lay ups and our foul shooting was bad, but it was our determination and will to win that got us there, and that's a good sign."

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