Bradford Maroons suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Manchester Magic.

Without a win now in their last six games, they lie only two points from the foot of the EBL Division Three North table.

Despite the efforts of top-scorer Dut Malek, who managed 26 points, they failed to win any of the four quarters.

The fifth-placed visitors quickly moved into a 27-19 lead by the end of the first quarter. They remained eight points clear going into half-time and, while the Maroons remained in touching distance, they could not claw back the deficit and trailed by 15 points by the end of the third.

Magic continued their scoring rate in the final period to end up 90-72 victors.

The Maroons are home to Bradford Dragons on Sunday in the first local derby clash of the season, tip-off 2.30pm at Parkside Youth Centre.

The Dragons maintained their perfect start to the season by beating neighbours Leeds Carnegie 2 116-82 to go clear at the top of Division Three following second-place Sheffield Sabres’ defeat.

In a breathless first quarter, with Daumants Pabrieza on fire from behind the arc, Dragons stormed into a 32-18 lead.

Dragons exerted their trademark tough defence in the second stanza to restrict Carnegie to 16 points while scoring 27 points from all over the court to lead 59-34.

Dragons edged the third period by four to go into the final break leading 83-54.

James Steer hit two big treys at the close to give a final score of 117-82 – their highest score of the season.

Seven players were in double digit scores, although it was also the highest score against Dragons this season in the EBL.

Dragons coach Mellor said: “I’m pleased with the win and it was good to see seven guys score double figures.

“We shot a high percentage both inside and outside and executed well.

“Leeds shot the ball well and played with a lot of heart in the second half.”

Daumants Pabrieza top-scored with 22 points, with Luke Malek 18 and James Steer 16.

Elsewhere, Dragons under-16s came from behind to beat visitors Middlesbrough Lions 71-64, the under-15s won 91-84 at home to Trafford and the under-13s recorded back-to-back victories, beating York Eagles 52-22 and Hartlepool Hornets 45-33.