BRADFORD Dragons slumped to a fifth defeat in six games after going down 107-79 to the unbeaten Solent Kestrels in Division One of the National Basketball League.

Looking to end Solent’s 16 game winning run dating back to February 23, the Dragons travelled to the South Coast in search of their first away victory of the season.

The visitors traded buckets with the league leaders in the opening minutes, as the trio of Jermayne Laing, Ricky Fetske and Allie Fullah all got on the scoreboard.

But they struggled to convert around the rim and the hosts had pushed their lead out to 15 by the time the opening period had come to a close.

Two minutes into the second quarter, the visitors finally had their first three of the evening courtesy of Dave Walsh.

Further threes from Walsh and Fetske kept Bradford hanging in there but the hosts headed into half-time 57-34 to the good.

Going into the second half, the Dragons went in search of a comeback, but the hosts were simply on another level.

Five threes in the third period propelled the Kestrels into a 35-point lead with two and a half minutes left in the quarter.

Bradford responded well with a team-high nine-point run to end the quarter, including Billy Cousins' first score of the season.

The Dragons at least outscored Solent 27-24 in the final 10 minutes, ensuring the hosts lost only their second quarter of the entire season.

Bradford's total of 79 points was also the most any team has put up against Solent all season.

Coach Chris Mellor said afterwards: “The game got away from us early and against a team like Solent it’s very difficult to play catch up.”

Captain Ricky Fetske top-scored for the Dragons with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Dave Walsh recorded 15 points, while Allie Fullah also notched a notable 12 rebounds.

Next up, the Dragons host Barking Abbey Crusaders this Saturday at 6.15pm in NBL Division One. Then, they take on Team Newcastle in the Third Round of the National Cup on Sunday at 4.15pm.