The Tigers fans were once again treated to an exciting, fast paced performance at the near capacity Wellsprings Centre on Saturday.
The home side started well, with the Tiger's fast break in full flow in the first quarter as they opened up a 28 – 20 lead with forward Paul Yabsley already on 15 points. Tigers were majorly competitive going into the second quarter with Yabsley again getting to the hoop and scoring at will, with the Thunder only managing a few brief flashes to be able to tie the quarter. With the Tigers still up by 8 points at the half, yet another big upset looked on the cards for BBL hopefuls Worthing.
However, the visitors began the 3rd quarter attacking the boards and pressuring the home team to force turn-over's and thus limiting their scoring potential as well as setting-up easy baskets for themselves on the break. With matters compounded for the Tigers with their shots not dropping, the lead was reversed before the final break.
Richard Anderson had missed training all week with an illness and he was clearly not his usual self but his twin brother Kevin (13 Points) had another solid game reinforcing his credentials at this level. Captain Joe Andrews once again lead the intensity but an usual 0 from 5 from the three-point arc meant he was unable to provide the offensive impact Tigers needed to win at this level.
Thunder went into the final session keeping the pressure on Tigers' younger players and used their experience to draw the fouls but could not pull away after failing to match Taunton's shooting from the line. Tigers showed great character and persisted right to the end, and briefly closed the gap to 5 points but could not redress their losses in the third.
Despite many of the Thunder squad's playing experience ‘across the pond’, their attempts to close down their biggest threat (in Paul Yabsley) proved limited, as the Taunton born and bred youngster still managed a game high 35 points along with 5 rebounds, 6 steals and 4 assists, fully deserving Head Coach Heath's MVP award.
Ronnie Heath saw the performance as another step forward for the fast improving Taunton outfit,
“We are on a steep learning curve and the experience of playing against the likes of Scott and Woodfork only accelerate that. Dimitirus is a class act. Of course he is a good athlete but it is his smartness that sets him apart. The level of his decision making and adaptability is what our guards aspire to. Cleeve just smiles and keeps coming at you at both ends of the floor.”
“The performance of Paul (35 points) was a real highlight. He was the best player out there today for either team and still managed to put up with grief from me for some basics. I was proud of him; he is growing as a person as well as a player. The scary thing is that he still has so much more to come. Some of his offensive moves were incredible today and it is really pleasing to see his leadership skills developing.”
Whilst Taunton looked disappointed having given up a lead the result has to be taken in context. The truth is that the Tigers who claimed the moral victory. The first times the two sides met Taunton had to swallow a 40 point defeat. That margin was reduced to 20 only 2 weeks later. This weekend's result firmly establishes Tigers ability to cope long-term in the top flight.