THE Taipans' gutsy finish to the NBL season has been tarnished by missile-throwing fans venting their frustration at the club's after-the-buzzer loss to South Dragons.

Emotion spilled over to create ugly scenes at the end of the game after a late foul call on the Taipans sent Dragon Donta Smith to the free-throw line after the full-time buzzer, where he converted both attempts to break the deadlock and seal an 82-80 win for the Melbourne-based minor premiers.

View pictures from Saturday's game.

Confusion had reigned at the end of regular time, with Taipans coaching staff disputing the call from the sidelines, saying the game clock had run down before the foul occurred.

But after referees Campbell Craddock, Tim Boswell and Phil Ahrens gathered to discuss the matter and checked the time left on the clock with the score bench, the call stood and Smith was able to seal the win for the Dragons.

While most in the crowd of 4107 kept objections to vigorous booing, several infuriated fans reacted poorly immediately after the match, throwing objects including clappers and drink cans on to the court and at officials.

NBL media manager Marc Howard said yesterday he was not aware of a complaint being lodged from either team or officials but the league was likely to review the incident today.

"The safety of players and spectators is paramount," Howard said.

The ill will was short-lived, soon overcome by the overwhelming desire of most present to show their appreciation for the way the Taipans finished out the season.

Head coach Mark Beecroft took the floor to thank assorted officials, game-night helpers, former owners and practice players for helping the Snakes finish out the season strongly.

The strongest applause came for the players though, whom Beecroft praised for the pride with which they have conducted themselves since the club was placed in voluntary administration before Christmas.

And where once there were fears Saturday’s game may have been the Taipans’ last at the elite level after 10 seasons in the NBL, it now appears it may only be the closing of a chapter, rather than the end of the book.

"Two months ago, the writing was on the wall for this club," Beecroft said.

"A special thanks goes to (Cairns Basketball officials) Denis Donaghy and Mike Scott, foundation members and syndicate members.

"Firstly for your help, secondly for your faith but thirdly, for your financial contribution.

"With your support it appears the final steps are in place to secure a great future for the Skytrans Cairns Taipans."

Beecroft said regardless of the official result, for the undermanned Taipans to have been able to match the competition-leading Dragons for most of the match had been an outstanding way to finish the season.

"I think it was a win, I think what we did and were able to do against a very good team … I felt like we walked out of there with a win," Beecroft said.

"Obviously they were without Mark Worthington and (Matt) Burston, but to push them and put ourselves in a position to win it, I’m not disappointed."

Share this article