Cairns locked up the second NBL grand final berth and ended North Queensland rival Townsville's postseason with a commanding 93-83 victory at The Swamp on Sunday afternoon.
The Crocodiles had lost just once in 14 home games this season but the Taipans were just too much after storming back from a quarter-time deficit.
The visitors, whose best season in club history will culminate in a grand final series against the minor premier New Zealand Breakers, extended the Crocs' dismal form in playoff series in front of a solid contingent of orange-clad fans that travelled down the highway in support.
Townsville has now lost six of the seven semi-finals series it has been involved in, including the last three seasons in a row.
Peter Crawford had a game-high 29 for the hosts as well as seven rebounds, making six of 10 attempts from long range. Michael Cedar chipped in with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists.
But it was not enough to overcome cold shooting afternoons from stars Luke Schenscher (13 points on 5-of-13 shooting), Russell Hinder (six, 2-of-6) and Will Blalock (four, 2-of-5).
Cairns spread the scoring load around with Daniel Dillon (21), Dusty Rychart (16), Ayinde Ubaka and Ian Crosswhite (12, nine rebounds) all taking advantage of their opportunities.
Accuracy was a key factor for the Taipans, who shot 52 per cent from the field and 42 per cent from downtown while forcing Townsville into 15 turnovers.
It capped a dramatic rise for the Cairns franchise which was placed into voluntary administration during the 2008/09 season, until a community-based ownership scheme dragged the Taipans back into the black.
The Breakers, who are also playing in their first grand final series, will host the first of three games at a sold out North Shore Events Centre in Auckland on Wednesday.
- ABC/AAP
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