'Big Shot Bob' and clutch Taran snap losing streak

• Taran Armstrong hits clutch free throws to snap Taipans losing streak
• Ron Edwards hits big three to tie the game
• Illawarra Hawks losing second straight

A near unbelievable last 15 seconds in which Rob Edwards hit a monster three-point shot to tie the ball game at 105, Taipans getting a stop, and Taran Armstrong being fouled on a three point attempt — 90 feet from the basket — with just 0.2 seconds left snapped Cairns' 15-game losing streak 108-105 (Game Centre) against Illawarra Hawks in Illawarra on Friday, January 3, 2025.

Armstrong stepped up and knocked down all three free throws. The losing streak over. The bottom side knocking over the top side.

It was Rob Edwards who showcased his clutch ability the play prior, as he hit a game-tying three-pointer with two seconds left which tied the game at 105.

Hawks guard Will Hickey was +21 in his 22 minutes but it was his crucial turnover, trying to heave the ball into a transition opportunity to kill the game when straight to Edwards, who got to his spot at the top of the key and splashed the biggest three of the Taipans season.

Armstrong and Edwards both scored 28 points, while Tanner Groves added 17 points and nine rebounds.

"We stayed with it, we stayed committed," relieved Taipans coach Adam Forde said.

"I'm going to let the boys enjoy this one."

The Hawks have now lost two straight and have dropped to 13-7.

"Lack of communication and paying attention to detail," Hawks coach Justin Tatum said.

"I think we got content. You've got to question the guys if we're going to waste our season.

"Not being able to finish it like we started it, you've got to question our guys with their motives."

Trey Kell III stuffed the stat sheet for the Hawks with 22 points, nine rebounds and six assists, Darius Days added 15 points and five boards, Lachlan Olbrich 15 points and five rebounds, and Hyunjung Lee 13 points and six boards.

The Hawks started strong, building an 11-point advantage in the first half behind the sharp shooting of Tyler Harvey. However, the Taipans stormed back in the third quarter, outscoring Illawarra 40-21 to give themselves a shot.

The statistical tale of the tape highlighted the razor-thin margin between the sides. While Illawarra shot a blistering 50% from the field compared to Cairns' 42%, the Taipans compensated by dominating the free throw line. Cairns converted 29-of-33  from the charity stripe, compared to just 22-of-29 for the Hawks.

Armstrong was particularly clutch down the stretch, scoring 10 of his 28 in the fourth quarter including the game-sealing free throws. The young point guard also added six rebounds and three assists in a stellar all-around performance.

For the Hawks, Harvey paced the attack with 23 points, but struggled from long range, connecting on just 2-from-12 attempts from beyond the arc. Trey Kell III added 22 points and nine rebounds in the losing effort.