Manchester Magic 66 Bradford Dragons 88

Bradford Dragons 111 Lancashire Spinners 74

BRADFORD Dragons had the perfect weekend as they demolished Manchester Magic and Lancashire Spinners to secure their spot in the end of season play-offs.

Manchester have been a real thorn in Bradford’s side over the last four seasons, with Bradford failing to record a single victory against them in that time.

However, the Dragons were quick off the mark away from home, with Ricky Fetske and Disraeli Lufadeju helping them to an early 25-14 lead. A couple of late Manchester baskets brought the home side back to within seven.

Magic began to close the gap early in the second quarter but Bradford came back strongly. When the half-time buzzer sounded they had established a substantial 48-33 lead.

The baskets kept on coming for the Dragons, with little resistance from their hosts. They increased the margin to 71-46 with ten minutes remaining.

Manchester had no response to Bradford’s superiority in the final period and their magic spell over them was broken. The game ended 88-66 in the away side's favour.

Fetske continued his good form, heading the Bradford scorers on 18 points. Local lad Jermayne Laing contributed 14 points to the winning total.

The following day, Bradford welcomed basement side Lancashire Spinners into the Dragons’ Den.

Lufadeju hit a three-pointer to open the scoring but Lancashire kept it close during the opening period and were only 19-14 behind at the first buzzer.

The visitors edged 22-20 in front early in the second period but that only seemed to shock the home side into action and the Dragons reached half-time with a 53-35 lead.

A rampant Bradford side really turned up the heat in the third quarter, blowing the Spinners away to establish an 84-46 advantage.

The highlight of the final period came when young substitute Jayden Martin span off his defender and sank a magnificent two-point jump shot, sending the home crowd wild.

With little over a minute of the game remaining, Fetske bucketed for three as the Dragons charged to their biggest win of the season, 111-74.

Fetske took the game high score, with 25 points, but Eisley Swaine was given the TACO Bell Player of the Game award. He made 14 assists to add to his 12 points.

On current form, the Dragons must feel confident regarding their play-off prospects, even though they will have a guaranteed away tie.

Coach Chris Mellor stated: “We played well at both ends on Saturday and I was really pleased with our rebounding and the way we shared the ball.

“Sunday, we weren’t great early on, but as the game progressed, our defence and concentration improved, and a good third period sealed the game.”