Six players scored double digits in the Snake Pit on Saturday as the Taipans upset the Bullets to record just their third win of the season.

Finals contenders Brisbane were expected to beat Cairns on the road, but they were under pressure throughout.

Down by 10 at the half, the deficit ballooned to 19 at three-quarter time and the Taipans were up by 22 on the home stretch before easing off to cruise to victory.

Young gun Kouat Noi (20 points) led the scoring for Cairns, while Nate Jai (14), DJ Newbill (14), Majok Deng (13), Cam Oliver (13) and Scott Machado (12) also made useful contributions.

Noi, a rookie of the year contender, was pleased post-match.

"I feel like there's no rookie in the NBL that can guard me," he said, before crediting his teammates.

"The past week we pushed each other ... it showed today. We just have to keep getting better, keep being confident in yourself."

While Brisbane led the rebound count 44-38, it was the Taipans' hustle on the court which proved decisive.

Cairns had eight steals and 18 points from turnovers to underscore their dominance on the floor.

Nathan Sobey was Brisbane's shining light with 20 points and seven assists.

However, star import Lamar Patterson struggled to find his rhythm for most of the night, though he ended up with 17 points after managing just three in the opening half.

Brisbane still leads Cairns on the ladder with a 4-5 record, while the Taipans improved to 3-6.

Australian Associated Press