Bradford Dragons were denied victory by two late free throws as they wrapped up the regular EBL Division One season with an 82-80 defeat at Worthing Thunder.

The Dragons, who still finished a highest-ever fourth in the table ahead of the play-offs, went into the final quarter level at 54-54.

It was still all square at 80-80 with seconds to go after Dan Foley dropped all three free shots from the charity stripe.

But a foul on Worthing player Tim Bell sent him to the line and he made both his shots to clinch a narrow victory.

Chris McGrew top-scored for Bradford with 26 points, while Rihard Sulcs added 13 and Foley chipped in with 12.

The Dragons now turn their attentions to the play-offs and a home first-round clash on Saturday with Manchester Magic, who finished fifth in the table. The match at Bradford College on Trinity Road tips off at 6.15pm.

Meanwhile, Bradford’s second-team match was postponed but the thirds played their final game of the season in Division Two of the Leeds & District League and lost 73-47 at Spen Valley Seconds.

The Dragons under-16s lost heavily 122-43 at Manchester Magic in the last 16 of the EBL play-offs.

But the under-14s hosted Sheffield Junior Saints in the first round of the play-offs and pulled off a stunning 71-69 win. They now travel to play Brentwood Fire in the last eight.

The Dragons under-13s lost 94-59 to eventual champions NASSA from London in Bradford’s first-ever appearance in the EBL Final Fours at Worcester.

The play-off for third-fourth position saw Bradford let a 19-point lead slip away as Worthing Thunder edged a 75-73 victory, with the winning shot coming on the final buzzer.