It was the second time in two weeks these teams had faced each other. In the first encounter Tigers had enjoyed a somewhat comfortable victory, following a slow start by Rockets. A week later and Reading had no such trouble. They started the game well, scoring inside with strong moves in the key and found good shooting form from outside.

Taunton stayed close to Reading in the first quarter, running their offence to good effect. A long 3-pointer from Kuznecovs midway through kept the score close. They were slow to get going on defence though and Rockets held a narrow lead at the end of the quarter, 17 – 15.

The second period was more positive for Tigers as they outscored Rockets 14 – 18. Mark Schroeder, celebrating his birthday, led the way with 6 of his game-high 17 points in the quarter.

In the first half Tigers struggled to contain Rockets’ number 5, B. Hehetro, who rebounded very well at the offensive end, scoring multiple times from second chance opportunities. Tigers Coach Richard Anderson urged his team for more effort and toughness on defence and the players responded well.

In the third Tigers and Rockets both increased their defensive effort. The quarter was the lowest scoring of the game, finishing just 5 – 8 in favour of Tigers. Rockets had a chance to retake the lead from the free-throw line but made 0 from 4 allowing Tigers to hold a narrow 36 – 41 lead.

In the final quarter Tigers showed why they are top of the league, extending their lead to 9 points before Rockets made 1 from 2 at the free-throw line. Another timely 3 pointer from Kuznecovs pushed it to 11, giving them a good cushion to see out the game.

Reading fought back but weren’t able make a run and the match finished Rockets 46 – 56 Tigers. The win keeps Taunton in first place in Division 4 South West but second place Bristol Flyers II kept the pressure on with a comfortable win at home against Surrey Rams 94 – 40.

Next week Tigers travel to Southampton to play the University Sharks. Their final home game of the regular season is on Saturday 10th March at Richard Huish College against Surrey Rams, tip-off 18:00.

In other results around Div 4 South West, RCT Gladiators got revenge for their loss at home to Thames Valley Cavaliers II last week when they stole the away fixture 83 – 110. Seventh placed Southampton University Sharks defeated ninth place Oxford Stealers 78 – 49 at home.