19
Dec
Snap Recap
Million dollar baby: New dad McVeigh drops 47
Jack McVeigh of the Taipans reacts during the round 13 NBL match between New Zealand Breakers and Cairns Taipans at Cairns Convention Centre on December 19, 2025, in Cairns. Photo: Emily Barker/Getty Images
New father Jack McVeigh poured in 47 as Cairns survived a late scare to beat New Zealand 99–95.
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New father Jack McVeigh scorched the New Zealand Breakers for 47 points - the second most points in a game in Taipans history - as Cairns withstood a minor meltdown in the last two minutes to win 99-95 in Round 13 of NBL26.
The Taipans turned the ball over, Andrew Andrews fouled out on a technical foul but McVeigh, who signed with the Taipans on a $1M deal this season, knocked down a pair of free throws with 10 seconds left to make in 99-95. It's McVeigh's new career high.
Cairns was up by 10 with 1:50 to go.
"Shout out the baby at home, it's been a big week," McVeigh said on the floor at the end of the game.
"Glad to get the win."
McVeigh was unstoppable, pouring in 47 points on elite efficiency to power Cairns home in a game that featured 11 lead changes and swings of momentum across all four quarters. The Taipans trailed after the opening term but surged ahead in the second quarter, then absorbed a Breakers third-quarter push before closing strongly with a 30–23 final term.
New Zealand stayed within striking distance throughout, led by Sam Mennenga’s interior scoring and Parker Jackson-Cartwright’s playmaking, but Cairns’ shot-making late — particularly from McVeigh — proved decisive.
The Taipans shot 55.2% from the field and won the rebounding battle 41–33, offsetting 15 turnovers to secure a four-point home win.
Key Performers
Cairns Taipans
- Jack McVeigh – 47 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
16–21 FG | 6–8 3PT | 9–9 FT - Sam Waardenburg – 16 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists
- Marcus Lee – 15 points, 4 rebounds
7–7 FG - Mawot Mag – 6 points, 4 rebounds
New Zealand Breakers
- Sam Mennenga – 24 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists
- Izaiah Brockington – 17 points
7–10 FG - Parker Jackson-Cartwright – 12 points, 11 assists
- Rob Baker II – 11 points
Team Stats Snapshot
Cairns Taipans
- FG: 37–67 (55.2%)
- 3PT: 8–26 (30.8%)
- FT: 17–22 (77.3%)
- Rebounds: 41
- Assists: 27
New Zealand Breakers
- FG: 37–74 (50.0%)
- 3PT: 8–26 (30.8%)
- FT: 13–21 (61.9%)
- Rebounds: 33
- Assists: 21
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