Warriors trailed 15-12 at half-time and were looking to kick on after the interval but things became unstuck as Sharks built up the momentum to extend their lead.
Speaking to Scotland Rugby News, Tuipulotu said: "We were feeling pretty confident at half-time and the plan was to stick in the game for as long as we could.
"We wanted to stick to our processes and be comfortable when our chances came. We turned the screw heading into half-time, but then we missed our opportunity to take that on after the break.
"There were probably just a few moments where it got away from us like after half-time when we had an attack in their '22' and we could have scored there or at least got some points and put some pressure on them, but then they got a penalty.
"I think the story of the second half was that we lost the kick battle and probably the discipline battle as well.
"I just think there was a period just after half-time, probably that 20-minute block just after the break, when we were losing the kicking battle a little bit and the Sharks got on the front foot a bit.
"The boys were competing well in the air, but they started edging us out there and we maybe kicked too much for a spell.
"I was really happy with how the boys played in the last 10 minutes or so to get two bonus points.
"Our DNA is about using the ball a bit more, like we did at the end there when we got those two tries. The tries came too late, but to get two bonus points gives us something as we look to build into the next game.
"Those two points could be quite vital, but last year out here in South Africa we took two bonus points against the Bulls and then we got beaten quite soundly by the Lions so we are not getting ahead of ourselves.
"We came here to win this game and we are disappointed that we didn't and now we have to focus on the Stormers.
"It'll be another tough game against the Stormers, but we have had some success against them in the past and we know the challenge ahead and we will start to get our heads around trying to take seven points [in total] away from this trip to South Africa."
Inevitable, Tuipulotu was asked about the recent speculation linking him to a move away from Warriors next summer.
Tuipulotu said: "I have had to think about that [my future], but there is no comment really.
"I am happy where I am and where I am playing and I love being part of this team and there's not a lot more to say around that."