LARRY Abney was a deflated man after the Taipans' loss to the Melbourne Tigers last Friday night %u2013 and it was a great sign for his NBL club.

Abney had every reason to smile after a personal haul of 19 points, 11 rebounds, a block and three steals against the Tigers.

But he said his statline was little reason for celebration if not coupled with a win.

"It kind of nullifies it, especially after a loss of this calibre," he said after the Snakes’ 101-77 defeat.

"It’s hard to have a look at your personal gains after a loss like this, it would have been a great night had we won."

Abney joined the Taipans from Townsville with a reputation as one of the best big men in the league.

In a season dominated by injuries to several Snakes players, Abney was an ironman, playing all 31 games.

His averages of 16.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game were down slightly on the previous two seasons with the Crocs but if last Friday night’s haul was anything to go by, he has bounced back to near his best.

"I figure if I can help the team this way on a regular basis then we’ll win a whole lot more than we lose if I can continue to play like this," he said.

A versatile forward, Abney can play as either a power forward or centre and will switch to the four spot against New Zealand tomorrow with Martin Cattalini out of the team.

"I’m just happy to be on the floor," he said.

Abney said there was a good feeling within the Taipans team and a desire to regain "faith" after the team’s quarter-final loss to New Zealand last season.

"We’re a deep team. We play well together, there’s no gripes and it’s showing," he said.

"If we keep flowing like this then we’ll definitely be one of the better teams in the league come the end of this season."

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