Bradford Dragons’ travelled south on Saturday to record their first ever victory against arch-rivals Hemel Storm, in a high scoring 96-106 victory.
Dragons went into the game on the back of a five game losing streak and with their hopes of reaching the end of season play-offs slowly ebbing away. However, there is a strong belief within the club that the current crop of players are much better than recent results would suggest and the squad were determined to start repaying the confidence that has been placed in them, by both club and supporters alike.
Bradford just had the edge over their hosts in a tight first quarter, which saw them taking a single point advantage into the first recess (25-26). But, it was in the second period of play that the visiting Dragons did the most damage, adding a further fifteen points to their lead and going back to the locker room much the happier side, at 48-64.
Dragons went into the game on the back of a five game losing streak and with their hopes of reaching the end of season play-offs slowly ebbing away. However, there is a strong belief within the club that the current crop of players are much better than recent results would suggest and the squad were determined to start repaying the confidence that has been placed in them, by both club and supporters alike.
Bradford just had the edge over their hosts in a tight first quarter, which saw them taking a single point advantage into the first recess (25-26). But, it was in the second period of play that the visiting Dragons did the most damage, adding a further fifteen points to their lead and going back to the locker room much the happier side, at 48-64.
Although Hemel managed to reduce the deficit in both of the following quarters, they never really threatened to get close and it was Bradford that came away with a well-deserved ten point victory.
Spanish centre, Miguel Lorenzo top scored for Dragons with an impressive 27 point haul, with American point-guard, J.P. Davis just behind on 24 points. Rihards Sulcs, John Bantock and Jason Swaine were all involved around the basket, each sinking 15 points apiece.
Reflecting on the victory, Dragons head coach, Chris Mellor said, “We played really well offensively – our ball movement, shot selection and shooting percentages were very good – and we had five players scoring at least 15 points. Defensively we weren't great, but we rebounded well and limited their transition points. At the end of the day, it was a much needed win for us.”
Davis added, “It was a big-time road win tonight with a complete effort from the whole squad. We ain’t dead yet and are still chasing that all important play-off spot.”
Basketball returns to the Dragons Den next weekend, with a home double-header against Westminster Warriors on Saturday evening (6:15pm), followed by Essex Leopards on Sunday afternoon (4:15pm). Discounted tickets for both games can be purchased online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bradforddragons.
In other basketball news, Manchester Magic lifted the National Trophy on Saturday, beating Bradford’s semi-final victors, Leicester Warriors, 88-48.
Elsewhere for the Dragons, the under 16’s beat Manchester Magic, 86-79, at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, the under 14’s travelled to St. Aiden’s Harrogate, on Saturday, returning with an impressive 55-93 victory.
Spanish centre, Miguel Lorenzo top scored for Dragons with an impressive 27 point haul, with American point-guard, J.P. Davis just behind on 24 points. Rihards Sulcs, John Bantock and Jason Swaine were all involved around the basket, each sinking 15 points apiece.
Reflecting on the victory, Dragons head coach, Chris Mellor said, “We played really well offensively – our ball movement, shot selection and shooting percentages were very good – and we had five players scoring at least 15 points. Defensively we weren't great, but we rebounded well and limited their transition points. At the end of the day, it was a much needed win for us.”
Davis added, “It was a big-time road win tonight with a complete effort from the whole squad. We ain’t dead yet and are still chasing that all important play-off spot.”
Basketball returns to the Dragons Den next weekend, with a home double-header against Westminster Warriors on Saturday evening (6:15pm), followed by Essex Leopards on Sunday afternoon (4:15pm). Discounted tickets for both games can be purchased online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bradforddragons.
In other basketball news, Manchester Magic lifted the National Trophy on Saturday, beating Bradford’s semi-final victors, Leicester Warriors, 88-48.
Elsewhere for the Dragons, the under 16’s beat Manchester Magic, 86-79, at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, the under 14’s travelled to St. Aiden’s Harrogate, on Saturday, returning with an impressive 55-93 victory.
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