It was a close game all the way through with nothing separating the two teams until the final period. United started the game shooting well from range, knocking down 5 three-pointers in the first quarter.

Tigers also had a good start offensively with Mark Schroeder making strong moves to the basket and finishing well on the break thanks to pinpoint passing from Tim Gumbs. Schroeder led the Tigers in scoring with 19 points, 10 of which came in the first.

Rebounding was one area where Taunton struggled and London were able to get many second and third chances from their own misses. J. Felix was especially effective for them, grabbing offensive rebounds and scoring their first 10 points of the second quarter.

Offensively Tigers still looked comfortable, with scoring coming from a variety of players. Defensively though, they had difficulty containing United who scored a three-pointer just before half time, to give them a narrow edge 40 – 43.

Spurred on by the home crowd, Tigers came out strong and made a run at the start of the third with a 2 inside by Robin Boult, followed by a 3 pointer from Joe Andrews. Chris Alexander made a big contribution too, blocking shots and rebounding well on both ends. He scored 6 points in the quarter, including a thunderous two-handed dunk on 3 United players. Joel Harrison also scored 6 points in the quarter and played well defensively recording multiple blocked shots.

United were again kept in the game by Felix who scored their first 9 points in the third quarter. Towards the end of the period, Tigers suffered a lapse of concentration, leading to turnovers, which London were able to turn into fast break points. Despite winning the quarter Tigers found themselves trailing 50 – 51.

In the fourth quarter London United increased their defensive pressure and were able to force more turnovers from Taunton. The game became very physical in the last period, which suited the visiting team. Lapses in concentration and poor passing allowed London to score uncontested fast break points.

Despite their best efforts Tigers were unable to regain the lead and United executed well in the final minutes to push the score to 74 – 86 in their favour. The result makes the top of the league very close with Tigers and Bristol Academy Flyers II with just one loss each.

In other results around the division this weekend, Oxford Stealers defeated Surrey Rams in a low scoring 55 – 44, Gloucester Saxons lost at home to Bristol Academy Flyers II 49 – 78, Southampton University Sharks beat Oxford City Hoops 75 – 59 and Reading Rockets II lost at home to RCT Gladiators 68 – 78.

Next week Tigers will welcome Oxford Stealers to Richard Huish College for the final game before the Christmas break. In their first encounter this season, Tigers defeated Stealers away 62 – 75. They hope to see a large crowd at the game to help them get back on track with another win at home! Tip-off is at 6pm.