Bradford Dragons made it four EBL Division One victories in a row as they extended their season’s record to 15 wins and seven losses by seeing off Team Northumbria 78-71.

This latest success leaves the Dragons in joint-third position – their previous highest finish in the section is sixth – with a top-eight berth now all but secured ahead of next month’s play-offs.

American centre Chris McGrew set the early tone by ripping down rebounds, drawing fouls and landing his free throws as Bradford edged the first quarter 22-21.

The lead shifted between the sides during the second quarter and the Dragons found it hard to pull away as they led just 40-37 at half-time.

But Bradford began the third period in decisive fashion, with guard Jermayne Laing inspiring a 9-2 burst that lifted them to a 60-49 cushion by the next interval.

Northumbria dug deep from 72-55 down with five minutes to go to pull back to 74-69 going into the final minute.

But the Dragons remained professional to seal the points and local lad Laing said: “That was an important win.

“Hopefully now we can also win our last few matches to go into the play-offs in a good position and in good form.”

Meanwhile, the Dragons under-14s slumped 100-56 to unbeaten leaders Manchester Magic but then won 87-63 at Oldham Titans to lie second in the north division table.