Leopards again finished strongly to reach the Final Four for a record breaking fifth straight season with a 82-76 victory against Bradford Dragons, on Sunday. In front of a big crowd including Brentwood Mayor Vickie Davies and Brentwood’s long-standing MP Eric Pickles, there was little choose between the two team but once again Leopards stepped up in the final four minutes – outscoring the visitors 14-6 to seal the game .

Leopards led 18-15 at the first break before seeing their advantage trimmed to 39-38 going into the locker room at half-time. Led by 23 points from American guard JP Davis, the visitors weren’t going away quietly and outscored Leopards 22-18 in the third period to take a 60-57 lead into the final break.

They were still 70-68 ahead with four minutes remaining when Dave Ajumobi sunk a trey off Albert Margai’s assist and the hosts never let that lead slip. Courtney Van Beest made it a three point game with a jump shot, and Ajumobi increased the margin to five with 1:47 remaining.

Miguel Lorenzo Leis gave his side hope with a three-pointer with 91 seconds remaining before Ajumobi split a pair of foul shots. Van Beest put his side five up with 42 seconds remaining but Bradford had one last push as Davis converted a three-point play to make it a two point game 20 seconds from time but fittingly it was captain Margai who sunk the free-throws that sealed the win..

Ajumobi led a balanced scoring effort with 22 points and eight rebounds, with Richards adding 14 points and Margai finishing with 13 points and five assists herunterladen. Will Ashby shook off a quiet first half to hit three big treys in a 12 point haul while Van Beest missed out on a double-double by a single rebound having added ten points.

Following the game the Big Cats were presented with the Division One trophy and medals by the visiting dignitaries.