Basketball On The Internet.

FINGERS are crossed all over the Queensland state capital that Brisbane has turned the corner in the NBL after a thoroughly convincing overnight rout of derby rival Cairns, Tyrell Harrison and Casey Prather firing up the Bullets but receiving plenty of support from the entire roster.

Sure, it would be wise to stay cautious, given Brisbane barely escaped New Zealand, was smacked by South East Melbourne and has now only added the scalp of the slithering Taipans, a recent record that when boiled down means it has beaten the league's two worst teams and been whacked by a contender.

But there was a calm surety and confidence within the group as it despatched a Taipans team which, in Andrew Andrews and Admiral Schofield now has a pair of rivals for NZ's Rob Baker and Izaiah Brockington as, if not the worst import duo in the NBL, then certainly the most disappointing.

The Bullets' well-documented injury woes - and they still have Mitch Norton and Sam McDanel to return - has meant players such as Alex Ducas, Taine Murray and Tristan Devers have not only seen far more action than initially would have been expected, but have revelled in starting roles.

The enthusiasm young players such as these bring when given unforeseen opportunities generates energy across a group, even if a couple of its imports occasionally might seem jaded or disinterested.

Prather, of course, has been anything but, last night adding a further 21-point, 10-rebound, 3-assist, 2-steal stat line to his MVP and All Star Five bona fides.

And the Bullets went inside sufficiently often to make Harrison the threat he always can be as he compiled his 21 points at 69 per cent, with 8 defensive rebounds.

The addition of import Dakota Mathias, who opened his NBL career by swishing a 3-pointer with his first touch, added a further dimension to a team which, last night at least, looked a chance to be engaged in post-season action.

For Bullets fans, let's hope it wasn't a "for one night only" effort while Cairns' hardy Orange Army at least had a half to be pleased with.

Jack McVeigh not only returned from a wrist inujry with 23 points, 5 boards and 6 assists, but he clearly worked hard to ensure Kyrin Galloway stayed engaged.

Excluding Marcus Lee from the conversation - because Lee was recruited to back up Sam Waardenburg and in that role would be the perfect fit - Schofield and Andrews have come up well short. For his size, power and athleticism, Schofield is far too passive, again last night taking more threes than regualtion shots and grabbing one rebound in 28 minutes.

Andrews was credited with 10 assists, a career best. But the truth is he hangs onto the ball for too long and too often, and his 3-of-12 shooting is indicative of believing he is the best option. He's not.

Down 43-47, McVeigh made a free thow, missed the second but swished a three from the offensive rebound and the game was tied at 47.

Brisbane then peeled off 10 straight points to lead 57-47 at halftime - the highest first half score by both teams this season - and after the interval, it just exposed Cairns' diminishing options and defensive disregard.

Did Brisbane turn a corner or just take care of business? Time will tell.

Round 7

Perth Wildcats 95 (Lual-Acuil 23, Pepper 19, Doolittle 14, Okwera 13, Rillie 11, Henshall 10; Russo-Nance 7 rebs; Doolittle 4 assts) d Tasmania JackJumpers 84 (Hamilton 26, Marshall, Bannan 15, Campbell 12, Deng 11; Bannan 8 rebs; Campbell 7 assts) at The Anthill, MyState Bank Arena. Crowd: 4,139. Q-Q: 16-28, 21-13, 35-27, 23-16 Ignite Cup Pts: Perth 6, Tasmania 1

Brisbane Bullets 113 (Harrison, Prather 21, Adams 20, Murray 16, Ducas 13, Mathias 11; Prather 10 rebs; Adams 7 assts) d Cairns Taipans 85 (McVeigh 23, Galloway 12, Andrews 11; Lee 8 rebs; Andrews 10 assts) at The Bullethole, Brisbane Enterainment Centre. Crowd: 3,684