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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article