Tigers failed once again to overcome there local rivals Bristol despite a fantastic first half of basketball. Having lost so many close games in the league Taunton were desperate to keep an interest in the Trophy competition lying in 2nd place in the southern group for Division 1 teams.
Head Coach Ronnie Heath could scarcely have expected such a high energy start from his talented young side after an extended Christmas break.
Bristol's athletic forward Greg Streete got the basket early to open up a 7 – 0 lead but it was Taunton offence who dominated the rest of the half. Shooting guard Jordan Seeley (15 points) made 3 baskets from 3 point range and when he was rested his replacement Joe Saunders did exactly the same. Then as the Bristol team were stretched Adam Rickwood (17 points) and Rich Anderson (15 points) were finding opportunities inside to finish well inside. Their 55 – 45 half-time lead was well deserved.
It was the outnumbered Tigers fans anticipating a famous victory who were making the most noise right the way into the 3rd quarter where Taunton's lead was at a game high of 14 points.
The second half was a different affair though. Matt Nolan used all of his experience, knowledge and strength to slow down the scoring of Streete but Bristol's American import Grazioli began to dominate inside. The New Yorker scored 8 of his 25 points at the start of the 3rd and he was supported by the all-round game of Treasure (30 points).
At the other end Taunton became sloppy and unforced errors led to easy scores on the break for Bristol. With the game turned on its head Tigers were forced to chase the game but the home side held their head punishing errors and making foul-shots down the stretch.
The loss means that Taunton will now have to beat Reading Rockets this weekend to qualify for the semi-finals. The recently crowned National Cup winners are on a 21 game winning streak and beat Taunton by over 30 points before Christmas so it will a huge challenge for the Tigers.