A STAGGERING all-round effort from Brad Hill has kept the Taipans' finals hopes flickering, with a come-from-behind 78-75 victory in Sydney on Friday night.

The athletic swingman had 14 rebounds, 11 points and three assists as they overturned a 10-point deficit at half time and hang on.

Hill worked overtime for Cairns, while Alex Loughton (17 points, four rebounds) was also good early and nerveless late to seal the win.

Loughton sunk both free throws with seven seconds on the clock to blow the lead out to a decisive three points.

Cam Tragardh (13 points) was good early while Jamar Wilson scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half as they overcame a sloppy start.

And Shane Edwards continued his great late-season form, twisty and turning to the rim for 10 crucial points.

Former Taipan Ian Crosswhite was sensational for the Kings with 21 points and 10  rebounds.

CNS: 78  (Loughton 17pts, Wilson 16pts, Tragardh 13pts.) def SYD: 75 (Crosswhite 21pts, Madgen 12pts, Harvey 11pts, Garlepp 11pts)
rebounds.

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