Rockets struggled to get going in the match whilst Tigers jumped to a 12-point lead after the first quarter, 22 – 10. Reading began to find their feet in the second, hitting back-to-back 3-pointers to start. Tigers struggled to contain guard Acquah-Davis who added 8 points to his game-high 21.

Offensively Tigers held their own. Chris Alexander, who has shown big improvements each game, was again dominant going to the basket. Three pointers from Igors Kuznecovs, Casey Williams and Kevin Anderson helped Tigers maintain their lead. The scores in the second were Tigers 21 – 20 Rockets, 43 – 30 overall.

After the half-time break Reading fought hard to get back in the game, increasing their defensive effort. At the offensive end two three-pointers from B. Waters and continued, strong attacking play from Acquah-Davis helped reduce the deficit.

Rockets had a chance to take the lead in the third but a couple of misses at the free-throw line saw them fall short. In the final minutes of the quarter Tigers enjoyed a run of their own as Roberts was able to make confident moves to the basket and score over his defender. Reading won the quarter 16 – 20 but Taunton were able to regain the momentum heading into the fourth with a 9-point cushion, 59 – 50.

The final quarter was arguably Taunton’s best as they showed good composure on offence, spreading the floor with good ball movement. Their confident play was a marked improvement over previous performances. Rockets weren’t able to regain the momentum and a good defensive showing from Tigers limited them to just 14 in the quarter.

The match finished Tigers 80 – 64 Rockets. Top scorers for Taunton were Paul Yabsley with 20, Casey Williams with 13 and Jack Roberts with 12. After the game, Coach Richard Anderson was pleased with his team’s performance,

I think this was one of our most assured wins all season. We’ve been working hard to address some of our weaknesses in practice and it was great to see that translate into today’s game. Even though we had a blip in the third, we still looked confident and I was really pleased with the way the team handled that adversity.

He also took the opportunity to talk about the support the team has received this season,

With just one home league game left now, I’d like to thank all the supporters who came to the game today and everyone who has come to watch us this season. It makes a big difference to the players and we really appreciate the support!

Next week the team travel to Reading for the away fixture against Rockets, rescheduled from last year. Their final league home game will be on Saturday 10th March against Surrey Rams, at Richard Huish College, 18:00 tip-off.

In other results from NBL Division 4 South West, Surrey Rams lost at home to Southampton University Sharks, Oxford City Hoops were defeated at home to Bristol Academy Flyers II 72 – 78, RCT Gladiators lost at home to Thames Valley Cavaliers II 89 – 93 and London United won at home to Gloucester Saxons 91 – 75.

Tigers Juniors

Tigers under 16’s travelled to Dorset on Sunday but recorded a disappointing loss to the South Dorset Jurassic Coasters, 72 – 50. No game for the under 18’s this weekend but next Sunday (24/02/18) they face Plymouth Raiders Development away.