A stirring 4th quarter comeback wasn't quite enough to see Tigers to victory in this close-fought encounter at Wellsprings on Sunday.
Everything seemed to be under control in the first half and there few signs of the difficulties to come. Harry Turner led the way, starting the game with a great scoring burst of 10 points in the first 5 minutes, to help his side to a 12 – 5 lead. The visitors managed to steady the ship, but still trailed by 22 – 18 at first break.
It was in the 3rd quarter that the game slipped from Tigers' grasp. London came out of the locker-room much the more determined side and immediately went on a 16 – 5 run. Only 2 points from Adam Rickwood and a 3-pointer from Turner kept the scoreboard ticking over for the home side, but it was on defence they were having real difficulties.
Their efforts weren't helped by a quickly mounting foul count which resulted in the Pioneers going to the free-throw line a massive 16 times in the quarter. Those opportunities helped the visitors to outscore Tigers 14 – 28 in the period. But it was still Tigers who took some momentum into the 4th quarter, as Turner sank a 3 in the last couple of seconds to close the gap to 10 points.
After Richard Anderson hit another shot from beyond the arc early in the final period, Dan Howe followed up with 7 points which closed the gap to just 4 points (63 – 67) with 4 minutes left in the game. With just 17 seconds to go Tigers came out of a time-out with possession and only 3 points down (66 – 69).
A 3-point shot fell short but Taunton recovered the ball and Joe Mills, drove through a crowded key hoping to draw a foul. He scored the two, but no foul was called and Tigers fell agonisingly short of completing a great turn-around.
Leading Tigers Scorers: Harry Turner 21, Adam Rickwood 15, Dan Howe 13