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Rob Edwards scored 23 points to lead Cairns to a surprise 101-88 road win over Melbourne United after a free-scoring first half from both sides.

Cairns continue to haunt Melbourne United, producing a hot offensive display to upset the NBL heavyweights 101-88 on their home floor.

The Taipans had six scorers in double figures as American guard Rob Edwards led from the front.

Edwards had 23 points, five rebounds and three assists to steer his side to an impressive road win.

It was the Taipans' sixth victory in their last seven meetings with Melbourne and came despite import centre Tanner Groves (calf) sitting out.

The result also completed a massive week for Adam Forde's men, who toppled both of last season's championship series teams inside 48 hours.

Sunday's Melbourne upset followed a 90-78 home win over title holders Tasmania on Friday.

Kyrin Galloway (16 points), Sam Waardenburg, Taran Armstrong and Akoldah Gak (14 each) all shone alongside Edwards against Melbourne as the Taipans controlled proceedings after a free-scoring first half.

United veteran Chris Goulding finished with 22 points but only managed three in the second half when Cairns took over.

Both sides were trigger happy from the outset in a frantic opening at John Cain Arena, putting up 20 three-point attempts between them during the first period as Melbourne took a 27-23 lead.

Marcus Lee (11 points) relished Matthew Dellavedova's return, feasting on his service close to the basket in the first half, and Goulding had 19 points by the main break.

But Cairns had plenty of answers and led 58-54 at that stage on exceptional 11-of-19 three-point shooting, with Galloway (16 points) and Edwards (13) outstanding.

The difference was the Taipans' dominance on the boards, the visitors leading a one-sided rebound count 23-11.

Cairns held the advantage throughout the third period, resisting repeated runs from their opponents as Edwards stared down the Melbourne bench after another triple.

There was a third-quarter flashpoint when Lee's elbow caught Armstrong across the nose, the foul leading to a Cairns bucket that put the visitors up 10.

The lead grew to as much as 19 during the last quarter and while the Taipans struggled to put Melbourne away, their advantage was sufficient to hold off a challenge.

Melbourne have a full week to prepare for a home clash with Adelaide next Sunday, while Cairns open round four hosting Perth on Thursday night.