The Hunter Pirates scored a convincing 108-90 win over the Cairns Taipans in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

The Pirates used a balanced scoring attack getting 20 plus points from three players to send the Taipans crashing to their third straight loss.

The home side used a third quarter surge to blow a close game wide open, outscoring the visitors 27-17 in the period.

The Pirates' defence was key, holding the snakes to just 37 per cent shooting in the second half.

The Pirates got 25 points on 9 of 11 shooting from resurgent big-man Geordie Cullen, while Aaron Trahair had 24 and Mike Helms 22 points.

For the Taipans Gary Boodnikoff was strong all night scoring 24 while Martin Cattalini scored 19, but neither player got it done down the stretch. Veteran Anthony Stewart hit on 18 points.

Pirates coach Adrian Hurley was relieved after earlier in the day cutting import Johnny McLenton.

"It was a critical win for us, releasing Johnny was a bit of drama for us but we have felt all along that we had 10 players here that can get the job done."

Hurley added "there is always the option of bringing another import in ... although I don't think we will."

Hurley said it was important to win the head-to-head season series against Cairns, which decide play-off positions in the case of a tie.

"We're happy to win the series, it could mean the difference between getting into the play-offs or getting a home final."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP