The Cairns Taipans stole an enthralling National Basketball League match, defeating the Brisbane Bullets 94-87 at the Cairns Convention Centre.

An inspired 16-point fourth-quarter effort by forward Gary Boodnikoff ensured the Taipans' rowdy home faithfuls went home satisfied.

Cairns went into the final quarter trailing by four points but down the stretch executed their plays to perfection while Brisbane, who played so well through three quarters, faltered.

Centre Christ Burgess top scored for Cairns with 23 points while Martin Cattalini scored 20 and Anthony Stewart 19 for the victors while the Bullets were paced by 23 points from Mark Bradtke and 18 from Sam Mackinnon.

The Taipans started the game well, opening out to a six-point lead early before mental lapses allowed the Bullets back in.

Brisbane went on a 14-2 run midway through the first period and went into the first break leading 23-20.

Seven turnovers in the first period did not help Cairns' cause.

Things kept going from bad to worse for the Taipans in the second period, Brisbane's stifling defence combined with bad shot choices hurting.

With Bradtke controlling the paint and Derek Rucker and Stephen Black starting to find range from outside, the Bullets found themselves with a 34-24 advantage with eight minutes still on the clock until halftime.

Cairns was able to finish the term with a run, pulling the margin back to one point before Rucker scored six late points to see Brisbane lead 47-40 at the half.

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