GAMES between Torbay Tigers and the University of Exeter are always closely contested and the latest was no exception. Tigers finished second best (52-63), but not without a fight.

Tigers finished the first quarter with a three-point shot on the buzzer from Rob Rudling which gave them a 14-12 advantage.

Tigers pride themselves on playing tough defence rather than just outscoring opponents. Much the same can be said of the University. The second quarter score-line of 8-6 in Tigers' favour illustrates just how hard the game was played.

The game had been hard graft for Tigers, but to battle it out and hold a slender lead at half-time said much for their strength of character.

University had the better start to the second half and managed to gain the advantage for the first time. A barren spell for Tigers saw the students open a 28-22 lead.

Tigers responded bravely with Rob Rudling and John Ellis leading the fight back and Alyric Merriott chipping in with some confident outside shooting. But Tigers were now playing catch up.

University held on to the four or five-point advantage they had created at the start of the half until the close.

Rudling top-scored for Tigers with 26 points. The team were lacking in fire-power on this occasion and the next best scores came from John Ellis with eight and Troy Culley with seven.

Tigers face Taunton Revolution in their next league match on Thursday February 11, tip-off 8.30pm.

Whilst the team are fairly certain to make the play-offs at the end of the season, they need to continue to improve their position to ensure a favourable draw.