Dragons Lose to Hemel but confirm Play Off Spot

Bradford Dragons have now cemented a place in the top four and a place in this years English Basketball Division one playoffs. In this, the Dragons most successful season their record stands at 17 wins and 8 losses with one game remaining.

Bradford’s six game winning streak however ended this weekend after a 85-76 loss at home to Hemel Storm in a battle for third place.

After their top four finish Dragons are likely to play either Manchester Magic or Leeds Carnegie at home, in the first round of the playoffs.

The Dragons were off to a flying start in their penultimate regular season game. 23-18 was the first quarter lead as the home outfit were showing all the form of a team with title aspirations.

A dominant first half from the Dragons led by American duo McGrew and Foley looked to be ending 41-32. However Hemel trimmed the lead with an instinctive 3-point field goal at the buzzer, ending the half 41-35.

In the second half Hemel began to show why they too are competitive at the summit of the table. Led by points and assists from point guard Bode Adeluola Hemel managed to edge into the lead as the third quarter ended 63-60 to the away side.

Uncharacteristically Dragons did not have an inspiring fourth quarter, whereas Hemel remained impressive hitting 3-point field goals with apparent ease. The game ended 85-76 to Hemel Storm.

Dan Foley top scored for the Dragons with 20 points and McGrew with 16 points.

Bode Adeluola top scored for Hemel with 28 points, supported by Walid Mumuni with 25 points

Both teams have just one game remaining to determine who finishes third and who finishes fourth. Hemel and Bradford currently have identical records (17 wins and 8 losses).

Elsewhere for Dragons - Dragons 2 men lost 48 - 66 at home to Rawthorpe Eagles in their Leeds & District Premier League game.

Dragons 3 men came close but also lost at home 49 – 56 against Spen Valley 2 in their Leeds & District Division 2 League Game.

Dragons U16 played their first ever U16 play off game at home and won 72 – 66 against a talented Sefton Stars team.

They now play the mighty Manchester Magic U16 away on Sunday 6/4/14 in the last 16 of the play offs.

Dragons next EBL division 1 home game is the last home game of the season and the first round of the playoffs on Saturday 12th April. 

Dragons implore everyone to get down to the Den and join in our most successful season yet.

Tip off 6.15 at  Trinity Green sports hall, Bradford College, Trinity Road, Bradford BD5 0JE. Admission is £5 for adults, £2.50 for under 18s, students, concessions etc and £10 for a family ticket [2 adults + 2 children]. Dragons opponents will be determined by the results from the last game of the regular season. Dragons travel to play Worthing Thunder on 5/4/14.