Both teams started strong, matching each other blow for blow on offence. Bristol shot well from outside, scoring 5 three-pointers in the quarter, 2 a piece from Keliauskas and Farrell, and 1 from Campbell.

Taunton’s scoring came from closer to the basket with Alexander, Schroeder, Boult and Anderson using their advantage inside. Point guard Igors Kuznecovs added 2 three-pointers including a clutch shot as time ran out to give Tigers a narrow 21 – 20 lead.

Midway into the second quarter Tigers had built a 10-point lead behind confident moves to the basket from Schroeder and Alexander. But this was short lived as Flyers came storming back to level the score. A single made free throw from Kuznecovs was all that separated the teams at half time, Taunton 38 – 37 Bristol.

With fresh legs coming off the bench, Flyers increased their full-court defensive pressure, forcing Tigers into mistakes and turnovers. Offensively it was their best quarter, scoring 27 and at one point taking a 10-point lead. Farrell added 8 to his 15-point total, including another 3 pointer to end the period.

Despite the mistakes Taunton held their own on offence scoring 19. Alexander added 6 more to his game-high 20 points and Tigers under 18 Stacpoole made a three from the corner. Then, as the clock expired a foul on Kevin Anderson sent him to the free throw line where he made 2 from 3 and brought the difference back to just 6 points, 57 – 63.

In the final quarter Tigers stepped up their defence and were able to stem the Flyers’ scoring run, limiting them to just 10 points. Mark Schroeder was effective on offence, scoring 8 of his 14-point total in the fourth. Towards the end of the quarter, despite having the momentum, Taunton still trailed by 4 points with less than a minute to play.

Following a timeout and Flyers offence where they failed to score, Kevin Anderson advanced the ball under pressure and found Tim Gumbs at the end of a timely cut through the key. Gumbs took his time, faking the defender and calmly converted the layup, reducing the deficit to one.

Another strong defensive possession by Taunton led to a Bristol turnover. At the other end a missed layup by Kuznecovs, was rebounded by Schroeder who was fouled as he went for the put-back, sending him to the line for two free throws. He made both high-pressure shots to put Tigers up 74 – 73.

Flyers had one last shot attempt to regain the lead but it fell short and Tigers held on for the win, to the delight of the home supporters.

The victory puts Tigers 4 points clear of Flyers at the top of NBL Division 4 South West. With the away fixture this Saturday, if past results are any indication (previous games being decided by 3 points or less) they’ll be in for another tough match.

In the only other result from this weekend London United lost at home to RCT Gladiator, 62 – 84. Huish Taunton Tigers next home game will take place on Saturday 17th February at Richard Huish College against Reading Rockets II, tip-off 18:00.