Tigers scored 100 points for the first time in the league this season and, in doing so, easily saw off the challenge of the visiting Sheffield Arrows. The win moves them up into 7th in the league, comfortably in the play-off places.
You can watch the full game video here or View it on Vimeo. The match report continues below.
After two disappointing home defeats the previous week, Taunton hit this game with much more energy and had effectively blown the opposition away by half-time. Tim Clifford, who had one of his most effective games of the season, opened the Tigers' scoring from the free-throw line and then followed it up with the first of six successful 3-point shots that his side made in the opening quarter. Swift movement of the ball, impressive shooting and strong defence were too much for Sheffield to handle and they found themselves 36 – 19 down at the first break.
The visitors tried to make the game a physical battle after the re-start, and Tigers were in no mood to back down. They got into foul trouble early in the second quarter, but continued to pile on the points. Clifford hit three more 3-pointers and Adam Rickwood scored 14 points in the period, to help Taunton lead by an almost unassailable 68 – 43 at the half.
The game was made absolutely safe early in the 3rd quarter, as 5 points each from Clifford and Simon Kearney stretched Tigers' advantage to 33 points (78 – 45). After that Taunton eased off and, although Sheffield began to eat into the deficit, a comeback never looked likely.
Coach, Tom Kambouris saw the performance as an encouraging indicator of how his team is developing,
“At this point in the season we are trying to reinforce elements of play that will serve us in the play-offs. Our offence was much more fluid and aware of its specific objectives. Our mission going forward is to build on today and stay fully aware of our individual and collective objectives for 40 minutes.”