Hoops

Cairns v Melbourne Nov 9

Maybe Melbourne had one eye on the Sydney game.

Is Randle due to play??

Wonder if they found his spine while they were digging around in there? It's been Mia for most of his career

Who knew? Apparently you need an appendix to shoot?

@Twinkletoes: yes, Patton seems to have started to settle in. Not worried about his scoring, I don't think we even need him to score. I'd be happy if he went in for 10 mins a game, gets in the paint and gives us 5 good, hard fouls.

Although having said all that he also seems to be tailor made for that play Fearney used to run for Matt Burston where he'd continually grab the first two points of the game, every game :-)

"I wonder if they played better due to not having to deal with the 'distraction' of Carrera and his emotional antics, remonstrations etc."

Chris Goulding was there and in fine form, he was providing plenty of distraction all by himself.

Haven't watch too many MU games this year; can someone (maybe Paul), explain what offences they are running.

Is Vickerman running part of the traditional/old "Breakers" offense - which Cairns actually run to death too - and the 2-series etc.

Seems weird that CG etc. would struggle with Vickerman's offence, he has always struck me as a guy who likes an up-tempo style and a relatively loose offence.

I wonder if they played better due to not having to deal with the 'distraction' of Carrera and his emotional antics, remonstrations etc.

To add to CT's above post, I thought Patton made a solid contribution. Despite incurring 4 fouls in his 8 minutes on court he did some good things.

Cairns played out of their skins on D, and (jinx) actually seemed a lot better when Carrera went out. Four or five players stepped up a gear and the whole unit came across as very well drilled and hit good shots late in the shot clock; boone, prather and especially CG were visibly rattled fairly early on in the game, and once the United starters drew some fouls it seemed like United went into panic mode.

"sydney are done" LOL

I accept full responsibility for gouldings poor play, I replace Leslie who I only had for one round with him for this week in fantasy....

How long is Goulding going to last getting 3 FGA? Can’t be a volume chucker without the volume!

Was he well held by particular Taipans?

Prather isn't the shadow of the player he was at with Perth which speaks volumes

Boone and Prather have been most consistent but they have the most adaptable, universal skill sets.

CG and Casper, CG in particular, are working out how to get their shots in this group with this coach.

It doesn't matter as much if the D is as good as it was for 7/8ths of last week's games. But even based on Q1 (only part I saw) the D and the energy wasn't there tonight. Cairns missed some open ones early and it looked like a matter of time before they started hitting them

Melbourne don't look interested. Maybe to much structure for this team, Goulding playing a lot more team same as Casper. Adnam burst of form is finished. Vickerman playing Wesley to much and not allowing bench players enough time even when starters playing shit.

Lol at anonymous trolls

I stopped watching at quarter time. What the hell happened?

Based on box scores Casper and CG are struggling with this new offense. Both must be averaging 6 or 8 ppg less than last year, without that freedom to let it fly whenever they want.

Watched the game until halftime, pretty even. Have just seen the final score, WOW.

Hats off to the Taipans for such a resounding victory. Bubbles only 3 shots for the match and played 30+ mins, what's going on there?

Poor effort melb. Casper is not interested. Bring back DD

Just like United

Yup

Goulding has been pretty invisible. He got into the key on penetration earlier with a pretty easy shot around the hoop and instead hit Boone for a midrange J (that surprisingly dropped).

I’m only watching the scores via box score but can those that are watching comment on Goulding’s game? Is he hurt or is it the typical Goulding effect of one good game then missing for 4-5 weeks?

Nope

Not even Prather can save Melbourne

They are woeful

I'll add the dunk to my mental Patton highlight package.

And a dunk?

Not even Prather can save Melbourne

They are woeful

The only thing I can remember Patton ever doing for either Cairns or Melbourne are fouls and turnovers.

Cuts to Jawai on the bench eating lol

The F**K is with these camera angles?! I'm getting sea sick

What is the camera man doing

Jawai cam

Crap. That looked really bad for Carrera.
:(

After watching both SEABL games this season and the recent CABL Grand Finals I wondered if it was possible for one of the bigger clubs to play both?

The gap between NBL/WNBL and CABL is huge now considering the changes made over recent years with salary caps, more focus on juniors, lack of sponsorships, less NBL/WNBL players etc.

Surely one of the bigger clubs could see great reward in playing at a higher level then CABL can offer?

I heard the 36ers were close to competing in SEABL this year, any news if they plan to play in 2012?

I'd love to see a Buffalos type team in SEABL again or even a local club play in the competition which is clearly a step above that of the CABL.

Fire up!

All good dude.

Thanks for the update Cats 4 Life, I must get out more. It's hard living in a cave in Afghanistan

No head to head splits this season, comes down to percentage. No need to worry if you lose all four times to one team.