The Cairns Taipans survived a late scare to hold off the Tasmania JackJumpers 96-93 at the Cairns Convention Centre on Friday, January 30, 2026. In a physical and defensive-minded contest typical of meetings between these two teams, the Taipans' ability to convert from the free-throw line in the final seconds proved decisive. Cairns built a solid lead through the middle quarters with their signature defensive pressure, forcing Tasmania into difficult shots. However, the JackJumpers, known for their tenacity, mounted a furious comeback in the final period, cutting the deficit to a single possession. With seconds remaining, the Taipans secured a critical offensive rebound and drew a foul, sinking both free throws to ice the game. The win was vital for Cairns' positioning in the congested middle of the NBL standings.