BRADFORD Dragons exited the National Trophy after a disastrous third quarter cost them in a 76-67 defeat at Team Northumbria.

Despite the visitors leading at half-time, their north-east opponents – who have established themselves as big contenders in the National Basketball League over recent seasons – proved too good.

It continued Team Northumria's dominance over the Dragons, having come out on top on all four occasions when they met last season.

The first quarter was evenly matched, with the travelling Dragons going into the first of the scheduled breaks with a single basket lead, 24-22. But in the second quarter the visitors upped the ante and put themselves into a strong position, going into the interval with a double figures lead, 47-36.

Northumbria came out after the break with all guns blazing, while the Dragons struggled to regain their rhythm. A 24-8 third quarter, in the home side's favour, completely turned the lead around, with the hosts now leading 60-55.

In the final period, the Dragons showed some improvement but the home side's strength, coupled with the visitors giving away too many fouls, meant it was too little too late.

For the second consecutive game, Latvian Rihards Sulcs led the Dragons scorers with 21 points, also recording 14 rebounds and six assists on his way to his first double-double of the season.

Marcus Gooding, in his first appearance of the season, added 17 points (eight rebounds, five assists), while his fellow American Ricky Fetske also contributed 14 points.

The game high went to another American, Northumbria wing Malcolm Smith, who also recorded a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds.

Dragons head coach Chris Mellor said: “We played well in the first half, but they started the third quarter very well and we lost the momentum we had. Poor shooting, foul trouble and too many turnovers also hurt us, but Northumbria played well in the second half.”

The action returns to the Dragons Den on Saturday (6:15pm) when Bradford host Loughborough Student Riders in the opening weekend of the National Basketball League Division One campaign.

Despite the Dragons winning both fixtures against the Riders last season, the visitors achieved a higher finish in the league table.