South East Tigers 55 – 45 Haywards Heath
South East Tigers has had one of their best starts to the season with a victory over Haywards Heath making it two wins in a row.
Tigers started the game well with an impressive display on both offensive and defensive. Aggressive pressure defense created turnovers which lead to number of early fast break opportunities. By the end of the second quarter Tigers were leading by 15 points. The home team extended this lead to 20 points by the end of the 3rd with 17 points coming from Joel Hunt and 14 from Duane Weller.
The fourth quarter saw the Panthers rally and reduced the score difference to 10 points with little response from the Tigers.
The visitors started the final minutes with purpose and a strong defence was rewarded by three fouls throws and a number of baskets that further reduced the lead to 5 points.
The risk of undoing all their hard work seemed to refocus the Tigers and they dug deep to stop conceding points and added to their tally to finally put the game out of reach of Haywards Heath.
Tigers top the league table although it is still early in the season, Team coach Andy Hodder said after the game. ‘We still need to improve in a number of areas but I’m pleased with how we have started the season. We have a strong team and I’m looking forward to seeing how we progress this season’