After winning four straight games, including a stunning comeback win against arch rivals Sydney Kings on Thursday, Illawarra struggled to stay with a hungry Taipans outfit at Cairns Convention Centre.

They only ever led in the first minute before fading to a disappointing 21 point road loss.

Alec Loughton (19 points) proved to be the thorn in the Hawks’ side again while Scoohie Smith (19 points), Cam Gliddon (16 points) and Mitch McCarron (14 points) were all outstanding.

Star import Demitrius Conger led the Hawks with 17 points, with Nick Kay (11 points, 11 rebounds) also solid.

But they never looked likely of beating the Taipans, who shot lights out in the first quarter.

After missing their first attempt of the evening, they hit nine straights shots to build a healthy advantage early on.

Mitch McCarron’s alley oop dunk capped off the epic run to put the hosts 25-14 in front just six minutes in.

A Gliddon treble on the buzzer ensured their lead was seven points at the first change.

Illawarra got within three points early in the second, but former Hawk Jarrod Weeks proved to be a spark plug off the bench for Cairns with five quick points.

Another late Gliddon basket saw the Taipans lead 51-42 at the main change.

Cairns continued to keep the Hawks at bay in a dour third quarter as Jerry Evans Jr’s three at the death provided the host’s with a 66-52 lead at the final break.

Unlike the Sydney Kings 48 hours earlier, Cairns refused to look back once they had the lead.

They outscored the Hawks 21-14 in the fourth to seal a comfortable win.

Illawarra are now poised just outside the top-four at 5-6 on the season.