Pike County will look to finish second in Class 2A Area 4 with a road victory over Abbeville tonight.

The scenario for the Bulldogs is simple. Win and finish second in the area. Lose and Pike County’s position in the upcoming area tournament will be determined by a coin toss between them and Montgomery Catholic.

PCHS and Montgomery Catholic split their season series and would be tied for third if the Bulldogs fall to Abbeville.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Bulldogs head coach Doug Branson is concerned with his team playing “Pike County” basketball and not necessarily worrying about scenarios.

“If we go into Abbeville, play Pike County basketball and come out with fewer points than them, I’m OK with that. As long as we play our game,” he said.

“Abbeville is a tough place to play and they are a tough team. We’re going to have to play just as well if not better to beat them again.”

Pike County came out on the positive end of a 70-64 decision over the Yellow Jackets on Dec. 14.

“We’ll have to find a way to outrebound them. They crash the class extremely well,” Branson said. “We can’t turn the ball over. We did a really good job of holding on to the ball.”

Abbeville applied pressure from start to finish, but forced just five Bulldog turnovers.

“We’ve talked about what is on the line in this game. Both teams are playing for the same thing. It’s going to be a high-energy game,” Branson said. “If we do things the way we are supposed to, I think we have a chance.”