Cairns Taipans have welcomed in the new year with a convincing 120-112 win over the Brisbane Bullets at the Cairns Convention Centre on Monday night.

After four days on the road, a tired Brisbane struggled to keep the deficit to a narrow 23-21 at the first quarter.

The fatigued Bullets lacked a lot of their trademark defence and Cairns, seething after last week's loss to Melbourne, obliged with some consistent shooting throughout the game.

Good ball work by Larry Abney continued keep the visitors on their toes.

Although both entered late in the first quarter, a Bullets offensive led by Dillon Boucher and Michael Hill kept Brisbane solidly in the game with star scorers Brad Williamson, 27 points, and Dusty Rychart on 18.

But a solid fightback led by Cairns' Stephen Black who scored a season high of 30 pulled the Snakes ahead to lead 56-49 at halftime.

And Brisbane's chances were further hampered after CJ Bruton was fouled out with only 40 seconds remaining in the game.

Cairns coach Alan Black said he was pleased with the result.

"It was a good game against a good team," he said.

Cairns will go on to meet the Wildcats at home on January 9.

While the Bullets will meet the Dragons at home on January 5.

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