The Cairns Taipans built a 24-point lead then held firm to overcome the fast finishing Tasmania JackJumpers to make it consecutive home wins with a 90-78 victory.
Emerging point guard Taran Armstrong returned from a calf injury for the Snakes and was instrumental in Friday night's 12-point win with three crucial late buckets on his way to 20 points, five assists and four rebounds.
On the back of their home opening win at Cairns Convention Centre against Adelaide, the Taipans came out flying with Rob Edwards (16 points, five rebounds, five assists) and Pedro Bradshaw (10 points) inspiring an 8-2 start.
Cairns led 27-21 by the end of the first quarter before scoring 13 straight points early in the second term, with the lead growing to 20.
The Snakes were still on top 53-37 at the half on the back of shooting 58 percent from the floor to just 40 percent to the JackJumpers.
Milton Doyle had 15 first half points to keep Tasmania somewhat in touch but Cairns' lead was out to 24 early in the second half including quick triples to Bradshaw and Sam Waardenburg (12 points, seven rebounds).
The title-holding JackJumpers, as is their way, refused to go away and responded with a 19-5 run to cut the deficit to 10, which is where the game remained at three quarter-time.
Tasmania kept on coming and scored 10 straight points to suddenly make it a four-point game with four minutes to play, and the reigning champs had all the momentum while applying their trademark defensive pressure.
However, Armstrong and the Taipans responded with the next 10 points including three straight buckets to the returning point guard who played a starring role in the 12-point win.
Cairns who now head to Melbourne to play United on Sunday after shooting 58 percent from the field and overcoming 18 turnovers from which Tasmania scored 21 points.
Kyrin Galloway also had 14 points, with Tanner Groves especially effective in the first half for 11 points and four rebounds.
Doyle finished with 19 points for Tasmania with Will Magnay adding 14, Majok Deng 13 and Anthony Drmic 12, but they did shoot just 38 percent and attempted only eight free throws.