The Cairns Taipans have put a serious dent in South East Melbourne Phoenix's top-four aspirations after holding on in the final seconds to record a 90-85 victory at Cairns Convention Centre.
With point guard Scott Machado returning to his best after an injury-riddled season, the Taipans led for the majority of Saturday's contest but were forced to survive a desperate surge from the visitors after they cut a 10-point deficit to three in the final minute.
