Tigers led from the tip-off to final buzzer and ended the game 20 points up. That sounds straightforward, but it doesn't tell half the story of this excellent match.
For much of the game this looked like being an easy win for the home side. Great composure and crisp, precise movement of the ball earned the Tigers high quality shooting chances as they eased into an early 19 – 6 lead. It wasn't until midway through the second quarter that Bristol managed to get into the game at all and they cut the deficit to 5 points at one stage. Taunton reasserted themselves, though, and went into the half-time break with a healthy 36 – 27 advantage.
Tigers continued to look like they had things well under control at the start of the third quarter as they stretched the lead to 47 – 31. Completely unexpectedly, Bristol then went on an impressive run which saw them outscore their opponents 17 – 2. As errors and indiscipline began to creep into Taunton's play and, with around 7 minutes left in the game, the score stood at 49 – 48.
At this point Tigers regrouped magnificently. Joe Randall drove to the basket for 2, and Joe Saunders drained a 3 pointer to give coach, Gary Carter, something positive to build on as he called a time-out. Whatever he said in the huddle worked. The structure and intelligent decision making, that had been so evident in the first part of the game, returned to Taunton's play and they overwhelmed the Storm, closing the game out with a 20 – 6 scoring run.
After the game a relieved, but proud, Carter said,
“The boys held their nerve fantastically down the stretch. Bristol put us under huge pressure and our response was great.”
“Joe Saunders showed why he's one of the best guards in this league, and both Kieran Franklin and Sam Hardy were huge influences on the match. I was also delighted to see Scott Speed finally make his debut after injury.”
There was more good news for Carter after the match. Veteran of so much of the Tigers' success over recent years, Matt Nolan, announced his availability for selection for the 2nds after having recently retired from 1st team action.