Bridgwater Blackhawks are 2026 Playoff Champions!
380In a showcase final, in front of a lively crowd at Richard Huish College, Bridgwater Blackhawks defeated Dragons 81 – 55 to claim the 2026 SBL Playoff Champions title.
The match started tentatively with both teams playing tough defence and with scoring concentrated close to the basket. Thiago Botelho set the pace with 9 points in the opening quarter giving Blackhawks a 5 point lead at the end of the first.
In the second quarter Blackhawks showed what has made them the best team this season with good defence limiting Dragons to just 11 points. That gave them a solid foundation for their best offensive quarter scoring 31 points with Ed Potter, Botelho and Lukas Glotnis leading the charge. Dragons struggled to find consistent scoring and by the end of the half were facing a 49 – 24 deficit.
Dragons needed a big push starting the third and they got it from Ben Ellis who knocked down three long range 3 pointers in quick succession, swinging the momentum back in their favour. It was the best defensive quarter from Dragons also, limiting Blackhawks to just 9 points. Heading into the final quarter they had reduced the lead from 25 to just 11.
The comeback was short lived though as Blackhawks reasserted themselves on both sides of the floor in the fourth, strong defence leading to slick offence. A valiant effort in the third by Dargons but Blackhawks stamped their authority on the game, winning the title by a strong margin.
Final score: Blackhawks 81 – 55 Dragons.
Top scorers for Blackhawks: T. Botelho & E. Potter 18 points, L. Glotnis 13 points, M. Saltmerys 8 points.
Top scorers for Dragons: B. Ellis 13 points, J. Rosario 12 points, R. Vitug 7 points.
Congratulations to both teams on reaching the final and to Blackhawks for emerging Champions! It caps off a successful season for Blackhawks who also finished league champions.
Following the match Dragons were presented with their runners-up medals and Blackhawks with their winner’s medals and Championship shield. Thiago Botelho for Blackhawks was awarded the Playoff Final MVP award. Thanks were extended to the game officials, table officials and those watching for providing such a great atmosphere and a fitting end to a successful 2025/26 SBL season.