WATERTOWN-The Clay County Bulldog and Jackson County Blue Devils boys basketball teams are looking for a crucial season’s edge in wins here Tuesday night in Region 4-A play.

The Dawgs and Blue Devils, District 7 foes, split their two regular-season meetings this year, and face the “win or go home” scenario in the semifinal matchup. 

A win means a guarantee of two more games for the victor–a regional final game and a sub-state berth. A loss ends the season and puts baseball on the front burner. 

The Blue Devils handed the Bulldogs their only loss in district play this season with a 42-41 win in Gainesboro in January. The Bulldogs avenged that loss with a 51-32 win in Celina three weeks later. 

Jackson County tied with Clarkrange for second place in the district regular season with a 7-3 mark. The Buffaloes won the coin flip for the second seed and automatic region berth, and staged a big comeback in the district semifinal to top the Blue Devils, who then beat Monterey in the consolation game.

The Blue Devils topped Trousdale 56-51 in Hartsville Saturday night to advance to the region second round, while the Bulldogs topped Gordonsville.

The Bulldogs have won five in a row heading into the Tuesday contest, and have won 14 of 16 in the New Year, losing only to the Blue Devils and Upperman.