Match Preview: Taunton Dragons vs Bridgwater Bucs 09/03/18
62This coming Friday, second place Taunton Dragons host first place Bridgwater Bucs in a clash that could decide who finishes 2017/18 League Champions!
The fixture takes place this Friday (09/03/18) at Castle Sports Centre, tip-off 19:45. Taunton Dragons have enjoyed a successful second year in the SBL after finishing 5th in 16/17, thus far recording just one loss.
The first match between these two teams was a nail-biter, ending Bucs 71 – 72 Dragons. A win for Bucs would see them regain their league winners title after finishing second to Bridgwater Baltics in 2016/17. A win for Dragons will see them go top with one game remaining.
In that scenario Dragons would need to win their final fixture, away against Culm Valley Comets, in order to finish outright champions. A loss to Comets means Dragons and Bucs finish with the same win/loss record and league points.
Third place Culm Valley Comets could still have a chance to finish second place. If Bucs defeat Dragons and Comets can do the same, second and third would be tied on points. Taunton Dragons currently have an advantage over Comets due to the 17-point win in their first fixture, 95 – 78.
With teams tied on league points the standings are decided by a tie breaker. The first tie breaker is head-to-head results between the two teams, i.e. if one team has an advantage in head-to-head results they will finish above the other.
If placing cannot be decided by head-to-head results, the second tie breaker is points difference, i.e. total points scored minus total points conceded. In the unlikely event that placing can still not be decided by points difference the third tie breaker is total points, i.e. the team with the highest total points scored, finishes top.
A first/second tiebreaker situation will all be moot however if Bridgwater Bucs can avenge their loss from earlier in the season. A win would see them finish with 9 wins and 1 loss and the SBL 2017/18 title. It would also give them the number 1 seeding and a home draw for the Playoffs.
The Playoffs this year will consist of two semi-finals and a final. 1st place will host 4th and 2nd place will host 3rd. Dates and times for these fixtures is still to be scheduled but will likely take place in March.
| Team | Played | Wins | Losses | % | For | Against | Difference | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bridgwater BucsBucs | 9 | 8 | 1 | 89 | 666 | 505 | 161 | 25 |
| 2 | Taunton DragonsDragons | 8 | 7 | 1 | 88 | 600 | 460 | 140 | 22 |
| 3 | Culm Valley CometsComets | 9 | 6 | 3 | 67 | 707 | 628 | 79 | 21 |
| 4 | Bridgwater BalticsBaltics | 10 | 5 | 5 | 50 | 668 | 646 | 22 | 20 |
| 5 | Taunton TornadosTornados | 10 | 2 | 8 | 20 | 533 | 634 | -101 | 14 |
| 6 | Team BC BucsBC Bucs | 10 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 482 | 783 | -301 | 10 |