The South East Melbourne Phoenix cruised to a comfortable 118-91 win over the Cairns Taipans on January 24, 2026. The Phoenix offense was in full flow once again, using a balanced scoring attack to dismantle the Taipans and secure another important victory. South East Melbourne shared the ball exceptionally well, recording over 30 team assists, and shot at a high percentage from the field. Cairns struggled to contain the Phoenix's ball movement and fast-break opportunities, falling behind early and never recovering. The win solidified the Phoenix's place in the upper echelon of the league table, showcasing their potent offensive system. For the Taipans, it was another difficult outing in a challenging stretch of the season. The Phoenix coach emphasized the unselfish play, while the Taipans focused on the need for improved defensive communication. All five South East Melbourne starters scored in double figures, demonstrating their offensive depth.