Last-placed Singapore Slingers have pulled off an NBL upset, defeating the Cairns Taipans 93-89 at The Cairns Convention Centre.

After just four wins and 18 losses this season, the Slingers notched their first victory away from home - coming thanks to a strong shooting comeback in the second half.

Fourth placed Cairns started strong to lead 32-17 by the end of the first quarter.

But the Slingers soon turned things around and closed the gap to 11 points at half time, before stepping up even further in the third quarter.

Singapore's Mike Helms was the star performer, adding 17 points - nine in the third quarter - while Ben Knight put on 16 and Rod Grizzard 15.

Cairns' Nathan Jawai, however, was the game's top scorer with 25, supported by Larry Abney with 18.

The win was a big boost for the Slingers, and comes after a surprise 20-point victory over the defending champions Brisbane Bullets earlier this month.

With the Taipans now slipping to a 10-8 record, coach Alan Black was clearly disappointed.

"It was not a good match for us at all," he said.

The Slingers will play their third game in four days when they play the Blaze on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

The Taipans have slipped to 10-8 next face the tough test of taking on the Tigers in Melbourne on Thursday.

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