United Stay Perfect with Dominant Win Over Taipans

Melbourne United’s march through NBL26 shows no signs of slowing, extending their perfect start to 8–0 with a commanding 94–67 win over the struggling Cairns Taipans at Cairns Convention Centre on Friday night.

United silenced the home crowd early, exploding out of the blocks with a 31–16 first quarter and never letting the Taipans back in the game. Even with their three-point shooting misfiring (6-of-24), Melbourne’s discipline and depth proved far too much for a Cairns side still missing frontcourt stars Sam Waardenburg and Jack McVeigh.

Chris Goulding marked his 37th birthday with 14 points in 18 minutes off the bench, while Tyson Walker added 13 points, four assists and two steals. Finn Delany (11 points, six rebounds), Jesse Edwards (10 points, five boards, two blocks) and Milton Doyle (10 points, six rebounds, four assists) all contributed in another balanced team effort.

Coach Dean Vickerman again showcased his team’s depth — 10 players logged at least 16 minutes, and none played more than 22 — as Melbourne’s rotations kept the energy high and the scoreboard ticking.

Cairns, meanwhile, endured another long night. Their shooting woes continued (33 per cent from the field), compounded by 16 turnovers and just 14 free-throw attempts. Reyne Smith (13 points, 3-of-5 from deep) and Andrew Andrews (13 points, five assists) led the scoring, while Admiral Schofield fought hard for 11 points and seven rebounds.

Perth Wildcats legend Ricky Grace described Melbourne earlier this week as “possibly the best team I’ve ever seen in the NBL” — and performances like this underline why. United’s precision and poise kept the contest one-sided from the outset, capped by Goulding’s vintage first-quarter sequence featuring a step-back jumper and a four-point play.

Even as United’s offence cooled in patches, Cairns couldn’t capitalise. Melbourne rediscovered their rhythm after halftime, opening the third quarter with a Finn Delany triple and extending the lead beyond 20 as they cruised through the fourth, resting starters ahead of Sunday’s clash with Adelaide.

The Taipans (2–7) have now dropped six straight, their average losing margin ballooning to 28 points. Melbourne (8–0) remains the team to beat.

Melbourne will next host the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday, while Cairns face Brisbane in the Sunshine Stoush on Thursday.

Final score: Melbourne United 94 defeated Cairns Taipans 67.