Despite Essex's win against Newcastle, Derby claimed both their games this weekend to narrowly pip the Rebels' via the head-to-head tiebreaker between the duo.
The past weekend also finalised the eight-strong playoff field for the post-season, which begins next weekend.
We take a look at all this weekend's action below, with links to live stats and live streams at the bottom of the page.
Derby secured their first D1M regular season title since 2009/10 with a double-win weekend, closing with an 86-72 victory over Bradford.
The scenario after Saturday's action was a simple one. Win and be crowned champs, lose and the title was heading to Essex.
The hosts started well, leading 21-17 after one but then cranked it up a notch in the second to lead 45-32 at the main change.
Shooting an impressive 51% from the floor, Derby had more than enough firepower to keep the Dragons at bay, with their advantage hitting a high of 26 points in the third quarter.
Bradford fought down the stretch, aided by 28 points and seven assists from Ronald Blain, but their deficit would never come back to single digits the rest of the way.
As the Derby lead grew and time ticked by, the home fans were able to relish to occasion as their team marched towards the inevitable. Sam Masten (16pts, 7ast), Raheem May-Thompson (16pts, 8reb) and Malcolm Smith (15pts, 5reb) all played their part in getting the party started.
Derby now head into the playoffs as the #1 seeds, welcoming #8 seeds and local rivals Nottingham Hoods next weekend.
Bradford can also enjoy a post-season berth, they'll be heading to Essex, who must now content themselves with the #2 seed after their title challenge was dashed at the final hurdle.
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We've only gone and bloody done it! 🏆💙🏀🥁#LetsGoBlazers#NBL2324 pic.twitter.com/9Z1GCt6QNc
— Derby Trailblazers (@derbyblazers) April 7, 2024
Essex Rebels (20-4) did all they could to take top spot, travelling to Newcastle University (14-10) and winning 87-67 thanks to 21 points from Trey Chapman, but Derby wouldn't be denied. The North East side now slot into the fifth spot for the playoffs.
Last season's regular season winners Hemel Storm (19-5) signed off their title defence with a 96-88 victory over London Elite (3-21). Matthew Disu (26pts, 10reb) put together a double-double effort off the Hemel bench as Storm lock up the #3 seed.
Nottingham Hoods (11-13) had no problem taking care of their own playoff fate as they travelled to Worthing Thunder (7-17) and won 91-70 behind 25 points and seven boards from Greg Skoric and 14 points, eight assists, seven boards from Johde Campbell.
Derby couldn't wrap up the title Saturday due to Essex's win in Newcastle, but they still took care of business to beat City of Birmingham Rockets (9-15) 89-70 to end CoB's faint playoff hopes.
Orlan Jackman had a mighty 31 point, 14 rebound double-double to keep the Rockets in the contest but it wasn't to be against the Derby trio of Sam Masten (20pts, 9ast), Malcolm Smith (19pts, 7reb) and Jonas Dieterich (19pts, 5/8 3pt).
Derby's title antics on Sunday overshadowed two other games that couldn't affect the standings due to Saturday's results and the head-to-head tiebreakers in play.
Reading Rockets (16-8) were locked into the #4 seed regardless of their result against Barking Abbey (4-20), but had no issue securing an 85-67 victory to head into the playoffs on a high.
Mitch Clarke (15pts, 4reb, 3ast) played turnover free basketball as the pick of the Reading standouts.
Loughborough Riders (14-10) ensured Worthing would finish their campaign on an L, winning 87-75 but failing to advance past Newcastle into fifth due to tiebreakers.
Seth Wylie dropped 21 points off the Loughborough bench, with Harrison Gamble adding 19 more.
The final standings from the 2023/24 season!
— NBL (@NBLengland) April 7, 2024
Derby Trailblazers are D1M champs thanks to a last-day win over Bradford and their head-to-head record against near-rivals Essex Rebels 🏆#NBL2323 pic.twitter.com/xezD3HeILB
2pm - Newcastle University 67-87 Essex Rebels - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM
7pm - Hemel Storm 96-88 London Elite - LIVE STATS
7:30pm - Worthing Thunder 70-91 Nottingham Hoods - LIVE STATS
7:30pm - Derby Trailblazers 89-70 City of Birmingham Rockets - LIVE STATS
4pm - Reading Rockets 85-67 Barking Abbey - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM
6pm - Loughborough Riders 87-75 Worthing Thunder - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM
6:30pm - Derby Trailblazers 86-72 Bradford Dragons - LIVE STATS
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Main image credit - Lauren Newham
