Blazers grind out their first league win as Smith shines
A STRONG third quarter took Derby Trailblazers to their first NBL Division One win of the season, a hard-fought victory away to Bradford Dragons.
There was little similarity between this game and the emphatic 94-50 L Lynch Trophy win Derby inflicted on the Dragons in September.
The home side have strengthened their roster since and new signing Zac Gachette led Bradford with 21 points, 11 of which came in the first quarter before Derby adjusted defensively to limit the effectiveness of the former BBL player.
The Blazers were once again led by Malcolm Smith, who was outstanding at both ends of the floor, finishing with 28 points and 10 rebounds. Sol Rolls-Tyson and Jonas Dieterich provided the bulk of the support on 17 and 16 points.
While Ryan Bruggeman struggled offensively, the American contributed well in other areas, with eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
Ash Ugo also put in a sterling performance off the bench, missing only one shot and one free-throw on his way to 11 points, as well as providing some intense defensive hustle and nice assists.
Trailblazers head coach Matt Shaw was pleased with the win but admitted it was a scrappy match.
“We seemed to be in control for much of the contest, but Bradford hung around and always stayed within range,” he said.
“It was important for us to get a win and although we probably played better last weekend, getting a result is sometimes more crucial. Fortunately, we managed to stay in charge down the stretch, despite them narrowing the gap.
“Malcolm was in fine form again. He’s playing some great basketball, which is fantastic to see after being ill.
“Ash also gave us some excellent energy of the bench. We have really good depth this season and to have guys coming off the bench to contribute as he did is huge.”
Dragons’ hopes took a blow in the fourth minute when longserving Latvian Rihards Sulcs pulled up with a calf injury and played no further part. With American Ricky Fetske picking up three fouls after five minutes, Bradford faced a battle.
Derby edged the first quarter, which saw seven lead changes and six tied scores before the Blazers netted the final five points to take a 22-19 lead into the second.
Seven straight points for Bradford swung the game back in their favour at 34-30, before the Blazers responded with a 7-0 burst of their own.
A 5-0 Derby run leading up to half-time could have been better if Ugo had shot a three-point attempt a fraction earlier. His shot dropped, but the buzzer had sounded before it was released.
The Blazers best spell came at the start of the third quarter with a 12-0 run which included six points for Smith and a stunning dunk from Raheem May-Thompson via a Rolls-Tyson assist.
By the time Fetske finally managed to get going, almost half the third period had elapsed and Derby were 54-36 ahead. The Dragons dominated the next few minutes with an 11-4 run before Derby strongly again.
Back-to-back three-pointers from David Walsh cut the gap to seven with 30 seconds remaining but Smith had the final word. BRADFORD: Gachette 21, Walsh 20, Cousins 10, Fetske 9, Laing 8, Armstrong 4,
J Edwards 3.
DERBY: Smith 28, Rolls-Tyson 17, Dieterich 16, Ugo 11, Bruggeman 4, May-Thompson 4, Brown 2, Carter 2.
Derby are back on the road for a double-header next weekend. They travel to Essex Rebels in NBL D1 on Saturday and Myerscough Academy in the third round of the National Cup on Sunday.