Huish Tigers are 2025 Playoff Champions!
331In a very tightly contested showcase final, in front of a large crowd at Richard Huish College, Huish Tigers defeated Blackhawks 96 – 81 to claim the 2025 SBL Playoff Champions title.
The match started with great offense from both teams. Tigers opened their scoring with three long range 3 pointers but were matched by Blackhawks with their own balanced scoring from inside and out.
The second quarter was a similar story with both teams trading baskets from a variety of areas of the floor. The first half finished neck and neck at 48 a piece. Cuthbert for Tigers and Botelho for Blackhawks led their teams in scoring in the first two periods with 15 and 14 points respectively. Lambert added 10 for Tigers whilst Beardshaw (8 points), Kugeliavicius and Alavocius (9 points) all pitched in for Blackhawks.
In the third Tigers played their best defensive quarter, limiting Blackhawks to 15 whilst scoring 23 of their own. Beardshaw dominated on offense for Blackhawks with 10 points including 4 back-to-back field goals. Tigers had their most rounded offensive quarter with 8 players contributing 2 or more points.
Going into the final quarter Tigers held an 8-point advantage with the score 71 – 63 and they were able to hold that momentum to see out the match. They added another 25 points to their total behind some excellent long-range shooting, including three 3 pointers in a row from Lambert. Blackhawks couldn’t match Tigers offensively in the second half despite 12 points form Beardshaw and another 9 from Botelho to add to his game high 23 points.
Final score: Tigers 96 – 81 Blackhawks.
Top scorers for Tigers: I. Lambert 21 points, L. Cuthbert 19 points, B. Gardener 12 points.
Top scorers for Blackhawks: T. Botelho 23 points, M. Beardshaw 20 points, A. Kugeliavicius, D. Rubino & S. Alavocius 9 points.
Congratulations to both teams for reaching the final and to Huish Tigers for emerging Champions! It caps off a successful season for Tigers who also finished league champions.
Following the match the teams were presented with their runners-up and winner’s trophies. 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 2024/25 SBL season.