Basketball On The Internet.

LAST night proved it - Adelaide and Cairns remain very much alive in the quest for NBL post-season positions.

The 36ers led from go-to-whoa against the reigning champion Breakers in New Zealand, finally winning 87-81.

In Cairns, the Taipans took control in the first quarter and pounded out a 75-61 victory over derby rival Townsville.

While not quite as impressive as beating the Breakers in Auckland, Cairns' win followed a stylish execution of Perth a mere 48 hours earlier.

Both clubs are very much in the hunt, although the Taipans, with a 9-11 win-loss record, have the least margin for error.

They've still got a visit to Cairns from Adelaide (10-9), the 36ers 2-1 up but that series up for grabs.

The Sixers are 1-2 on Melbourne (14-7) but a three-point win on Friday-week would get them that one. They also lead New Zealand (11-8) by 2-1 and with +15 points.

Adelaide is 1-0 ahead of Illawarra but with three games to come, that series could go anywhere.

Next up for the 36ers is Townsville on the road, Jerome Randle (above) with 25 points and 8 assists in the win over New Zealand.

He had plenty of solid support in Daniel Johnson, whose 25-point, 12-rebound game was instrumental in the victory.

Johnson is back to the form which won him multiple 36ers club MVP awards and NBL All Star Five selection in 2013-14.

Adelaide is back in this and Cairns also has cause for optimism.

Again last night, it ran over Townsville, Shaun Bruce (above) efficient and Cam Gliddon stepping it up with a season-high 25 points.

Make no mistake. The Taipans' home game next round against Melbourne is HUGE.

Tonight: EXPECT Illawarra to take no prisoners against derby rival Sydney in Sydney. This will be a gem because the Kings will give it a serious crack, Childress, Cadee, Garlepp all important for the home team. Sydney suits Jordan Vandenberg, 25 and 216cm, as a replacement for injured Julian Khazzouh for his first run but the Hawks, hot off a hotly contested 96-97 road loss to Melbourne, expect to regain Tim Coenraad, who missed the United clash with a serious family situation. Derbies are always unpredictable but with so much at stake, the Hawks cannot falter. And won't.

Last night: ADELAIDE 36ERS 87 (Johnson, Randle 25, Teys 9; Johnson 12 rebs; Randle 8 assts) d NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS 81 (Ce Jackson 16, Wesley 14, Vukona, Abercrombie 13, Webster 12; Vukona 11 rebs; Webster 4 assts) at North Shore Events Centre. CAIRNS TAIPANS 75 (Gliddon 25, Craig 15, Tragardh 14, Starks 11; Craig 6 rebs; Gliddon 5 assts) d TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES 61 (Djeric 15, Samhan 12, Kay 10; Samhan 8 rebs; Henry, Norton 2 assts) at Cairns Convention Centre.

TOMORROW: Because you asked for it ... more photographic Flashbacks