2025-12-31

Cairns 96 - 111 S.E Melbourne

S.E Melbourne secured a 15-point victory over Cairns, winning by a score of 111-96. The game was decided by ball control and efficiency, as S.E Melbourne turned the ball over only five times while forcing 22 from their opponent. This turnover differential fueled a fast-paced offense that saw S.E Melbourne score 108 points in the paint compared to Cairns's 94, highlighting their ability to get to the rim. Nathan Sobey was the primary catalyst, posting a 31-point, 10-assist performance on 10-of-21 shooting from the field. Cairns struggled to maintain possessions, shooting 53.6% from the field but connecting on just 43.5% of their three-point attempts (10-of-23). Their inability to slow the tempo was evident as they trailed by as many as 22 points in the third quarter. Jack McVeigh and Sam Waardenburg combined for 48 points for Cairns, but their offensive output was offset by the 17-point margin in free throws made (26 to 17) and the massive turnover gap. S.E Melbourne's defensive pressure was also a factor, recording 15 steals compared to Cairns's 3, which further disrupted the away team's rhythm throughout the night.