After trailing at half time Tigers were able to claw their way back into the game with a strong defensive third quarter, eating into the 9 point lead built up by Flyers in the first half. Then, in a mirror finish to last weekend’s game, trailing by a single point, they had a chance to steal the win in the dying seconds but Bristol’s defence prevailed and the shot fell short. A foul and two free throws later the game finished, once again just 3 points separating the teams.

Both sides enjoyed spirited support from those who came to watch. Tigers were cheered on by a large group of travelling supporters and the Flyers home crowd made for a great atmosphere at the BBL venue. A fantastic advert for the National Basketball League!

Tigers and Flyers now have the same win/loss record but having played two games more, Tigers remain in first place. Flyers will have a chance to catch them though with two games in hand. Still all to play for in Division 4 South West.

A poor shooting game, just 29% from the field and no made 3-pointers, combined with 28 turnovers made it difficult for Taunton. Bristol’s pressure defence allowed them little space to run their offence and contributed to many of those turnovers.

Joe Andrews and Mark Schroeder both finished the game with 14 points for Tigers. Ekwegh led Flyers with 12 and both Wilks and Keliauskas contributed 8. A clutch 3 pointer by Bristol’s Campbell in the final minute, from a well executed play, was huge for the home side and gave them back the lead.

The game started tentatively in the first with both sides playing tough defence. Flyers dominated in the second quarter, outscoring Tigers 22 – 14. The third was Tigers best as they tightened up their defence and got better looks on offence scoring in the key. In the last quarter each side could only manage 13 points with both battling hard on defence.

Head Coach Richard Anderson was disappointed following the loss but pleased with his teams resilience and ability to keep it close,

Down 9 at the half it wasn’t looking good. Bristol played physically on defence and they really limited our options on offence. We had better composure in the second half, showing great spirit to get back in the game and have a chance to win. Ultimately we made too many mistakes and a few key turnovers cost us. We have to give credit to Bristol, who came to play after last weeks tough loss and made their shots when it mattered.

Tigers’ next game is against 10th place Gloucester Saxons away on Saturday 10th February. Their next home game is the following Saturday, against 7th place Reading Rockets II at Richard Huish College, 17th February, tip-off 18:00.

In other results around D4 SW on Saturday Gloucester Saxons defeated Southampton University Sharks at home 62 – 49 and Thames Valley Cavaliers II recorded a convincing win at home over Reading Rockets II 75 – 57. On Sunday in the Oxford derby City Hoops narrowly defeated Stealers 73 – 72.

Tigers Juniors

Both the U16 Boys and U18 Men had their games against Plymouth Raiders called off this weekend due to officials falling ill. Last weekend both teams lost away to Torbay Tigers, U16s 87 – 64 and the U18s 98 – 60. Next Saturday (3rd February) they travel to South Wales for away fixtures against Vale Vipers.