Bridgwater Blackhawks are 2024 Playoff Champions!
273In a tightly contested showcase final, in front of a large crowd at B&T College Taunton Campus, Bridgwater Blackhawks defeated Taunton Dragons 81 – 58 to claim the 2024 SBL Playoff Champions title.
The match started with Blackhawks jumping out to an 11 – 2 lead before Dragons settled into the game coming to within 1 after 6 minutes 13 – 12. L. Glotnis controlled the game for Blackhawks scoring with drives and drawing fouls, but Dragons went on to win the quarter 20 – 22 behind good long-range shooting from J. Celeste and C. Yung Sun.
Halfway through the second quarter Blackhawks regained the lead 32 – 27 with M. Beardshaw showing good finishing around the basket. Blackhawks were able to get to the free-throw line 7 times in the period but only managed to convert 6 of 14. Despite that they were able to limit their opponents to 11 points and heading into half time Dragons faced a 7-point deficit, 40 – 33.
In the third the two teams traded baskets with G. Siwicki making shots for Dragons and S. Alavocius hitting for Blackhawks with 3 three-points in the quarter. With 8 minutes played Dragons had tied the scores at 48 – 48 and looked like they had the momentum. Blackhawks had other ideas though and were able to clamp down defensively at the end of the third and into the fourth.
Dragons couldn’t convert free throws early in the final period and Blackhawks took advantage, scoring 13 unanswered, resulting in an 18-point lead with 2 minutes left to play. Despite shots dropping for Dragons in the final minutes, Blackhawks closed the game out comfortably.
Congratulations to both teams for reaching the final and to Bridgwater Blackhawks for emerging Champions! It caps off a successful season for Blackhawks who finished runners up in the SBL, E&D Premier Playoff Champions and SBL Playoff Champions.
Final score: Blackhawks 81 – 58 Dragons.
Following the match the teams were presented with their runners-up and winner’s trophies. Blackhawks head coach Matt Lomen received the winners shield to the jubilation of the team and supporters. Somerset Basketball Chairman Mason Galloway extended thanks to the game officials, table officials and those watching for providing such a great atmosphere and a fitting end to a successful 2023/24 SBL season.