Taunton Tigers picked up their first victory in the top flight as they defeated London Leopards 90 – 83 in Pool Two of the National Trophy.
Richard Anderson led the way with 20 points for the visiting Tigers, who produced a team performance of the highest quality. Only a few years ago Taunton could only dream of such glamorous fixtures let alone predict the possibility of a win. Yet it was the home grown West Country outfit that produced the polished basketball against the North London side with the bigger names.
Carl Henry-Latham led Leopards with 23 points and was always supported by the outside threat of Laws and Salter. Taunton kept their nerve though continuing to share the ball, creating the higher percentage shots for Anderson, Andrews (17 Points) and Yabsley (14 Points), whilst no less than 9 Tigers players adding significant points.
Tim Clifford back form Plymouth Raiders was singled out by Ronnie Heath as the MVP. He often led the offence as well as making a major contribution at the defensive end. Home coach Jon Burnell was disappointed with his side's display,
“I really thought that our defence would win us the game, but we were very poor. It doesn't matter what level you're playing at, if you don't defend properly you won't win the game.”
Leopards started well, with Gareth Laws and Sam Salter both draining treys in an 8 – 2 opening run, but that was as good as it got for the home side.
Tigers leveled the score at eight, and although the Big Cats hit back through Latham-Henry and a second Laws' three, the visitors slowly took control and only some good foul shooting from Latham-Henry, Laws and Deng Deng (Brother of NBA star Luol) kept Leopards in touch as they went into the first break trailing 23 – 20.
That deficit grew to double figures as Taunton opened with seven straight points before Latham-Henry broke the run. A Dan Howe basket put the visitors ahead by 12 with four first half minutes remaining before a Salter trey launched an 8 – 2 run to close the half out with Tigers leading 40 – 34.
Leopards started the second half well, and a pair of Latham-Henry baskets gave them a 48 – 46 lead at the midway stage of the game. Tigers hit back with an 11 – 2 run, but whilst the sides exchanged baskets during the opening stages of the fourth period, with Leopards showed signs of a comeback, two 3-pointers by Joe Andrews sealed the deal.
The Tigers progress will be tested again this weekend when they host Sheffield 5.30 tip-off on Saturday and then Plymouth in the National Cup 4.00pm on Sunday. Tickets £4 Adults £2 Children can be bought on the door.