RICKY Fetske delivered a fine individual performance but Bradford Dragons were outclassed as they lost 80-68 at last season's double winners Team Northumbria.

Fetske achieved an impressive double-double, netting 18 points and securing 16 rebounds. He was supported well by youngsters Eisley Swaine, who scored 16 points, and Joaquin Calvo, who added seven to the total coming off the bench.

Yet it was not enough as the Dragons fell to their third defeat of the season against the north-east side.

Bradford's double victory the previous weekend was a huge confidence boost and they carried that into the early stages here, Fetske and Jermayne Laing scoring early baskets to earn the lead.

They fell 18-6 behind as Northumbria began to make home advantage count but Disraeli Lufadeju's three-pointer helped them to reach the first buzzer only 22-15 down.

An early three-pointer from Swaine helped reduce the deficit to two points early in the second quarter and Calvo came off the bench to put the Dragons 27-26 ahead.

Northumbria quickly netted a couple of three-pointers to restore their lead and showed their class throughout the rest of the second period to reach half-time with a 45-34 advantage.

The home side threatened to pull away in the third quarter but Bradford refused to give up and when Marcus Gooding netted a jump shot with a minute left in the period, the Dragons found themselves only 58-52 behind.

However, Northumbria quickly restored their advantage into double figures and consequently never looked troubled during the final quarter.

The north-east side stretched their lead to 16 points just before the buzzer but Calvo and Oliver Hylands ensured the Dragons finished with a flourish, both netting late baskets.

Dragons coach Chris Mellor admitted: "It was a disappointing performance. Defensively we just didn't make things difficult for them and overall our energy, concentration and effort was not at the required level."

Bradford return to their home court on Saturday when third-placed Worthing Thunder, who won the reverse fixture, visit the Dragons' Den (6.15pm).