Tigers showed no signs of rust following a weekend with no game and put on a strong first quarter, scoring 25 whilst holding Saxons to just 11. Jack Roberts started well for Taunton, scoring back-to-back baskets from the off. A slashing cut that led to a finish at the basket followed by a 3 pointer from the wing.

Igors Kuznecovs contributed 7 points in the first quarter with a long-range triple and another 4 from the free-throw line. There was disappointment for Tigers however, when the officials waved off the made buzzer beater from his own half at the end of the period.

After their strong start the second quarter was a disaster for Taunton. They watched their 14 point lead evaporate as Gloucester increased their defensive pressure causing lapses in concentration which led to turnovers. At the same time Saxons found their shooting range, hitting 3 from behind the 3-point line and at one point scoring 11 points unanswered.

Tigers struggled to score for the majority of the period. The situation was not helped when veteran Joe Andrews left the game with an injury to his ribs. At half time Tigers held onto their lead but Saxons only trailed by 4 and were gaining in confidence as the game progressed.

In the third Taunton showed much better composure and patience, which led to good looks on the offensive end. Kevin Anderson made a three-pointer and 19-year-old Chris Alexander made good use of his size and athleticism, adding 8 to his 18 points game total, including a huge baseline dunk. Alexander also made key defensive plays, blocking shots, snatching rebounds and providing protection around the hoop.

Going into the fourth Tigers had extended their lead back up to 13. Saxons however, would not give up without a fight and continued to apply pressure and trade baskets with Tigers till the end.

Roberts closed out the game by adding another 7 to his 18 points total and Kuznecovs knocked down his fourth 3-pointer to finish with a game-high 22 points. Final score: Saxons 74 – 87 Tigers.

Gloucester Saxons have posted photos from the match on their website.

Tigers Juniors

Both the Under 16 and Under 18 Tigers National League teams played on Saturday and recorded victories over Dorset Storm 82 – 23 and 74 – 61 respectively, making it a clean sweep for Tigers teams.

NBL Division 4 South West

Tigers remain top of the table following their win with Bristol Flyers II close behind and a game in hand. Flyers also recorded another win on Saturday with a solid victory over Oxford Steelers at home 99 – 62. In other NBL Division 4 South West results Thames Valley Cavaliers II defeated Southampton University Sharks at home 104 — 73 and Reading Rockets II beat Surrey Rams 69 — 58 at home.

Next weekend will be the first of back-to-back games against Reading Rockets II with the home fixture on Saturday at Richard Huish College, tip-off 18:00. The following week Tigers travel to Reading.

NBL Division 4 South West League Table (as of 11/02/18)

	Team	Wins	Losses	%	For	Against	Difference	Points
1	Huish Taunton Tigers Tigers	12	2	85.71	1086	938	148	24
2	Bristol Academy Flyers II Flyers II	11	2	84.62	985	810	175	22
3	RCT Gladiators Gladiators	8	4	66.67	920	803	117	16
4	Reading Rockets II Rockets II	8	4	66.67	856	795	61	16
5	Thames Valley Cavaliers II Cavaliers II	7	8	46.67	1247	1151	96	14
6	London United London United	7	5	58.33	983	969	14	14
7	Oxford City Hoops City Hoops	7	7	50.00	1108	1110	-2	14
8	Southampton University Sharks Sharks	7	8	46.67	963	1026	-63	14
9	Oxford Stealers Stealers	3	13	18.75	994	1234	-240	6
10	Surrey Rams Rams	2	10	16.67	750	869	-119	4
11	Gloucester Saxons Saxons	2	11	15.38	759	946	-187	4