Yorkshire Dragons Beat Nottingham Hoods 85-69 in British NBL Div 1 Trophy Clash

The Yorkshire Dragons delivered a statement performance in the British NBL Div 1 Trophy, defeating the Nottingham Hoods 85-69 on September 20, 2026. A balanced offensive display and a disciplined defensive effort allowed the visitors to control the game from the opening quarter, handing the Hoods a home defeat in this cup competition fixture.

Yorkshire improved their position in the Trophy standings with the win, while Nottingham were left to reflect on a night when they struggled to match the Dragons’ intensity at both ends of the floor. The final scoreline reflected the visitors’ superiority, but the Hoods showed flashes of resistance in the third quarter before Yorkshire pulled away for good.

Match Overview

The Dragons set the tone early, using quick ball movement and aggressive transition play to build an early advantage. Nottingham stayed within striking distance in the first quarter, but Yorkshire’s second-quarter surge proved decisive. By halftime, the Dragons had opened a 46-33 lead and had forced the Hoods into a series of contested shots.

Nottingham came out with more purpose after the break, cutting the deficit to single digits with a spirited run. However, Yorkshire responded with timely three-point shooting and strong work on the glass. The visitors closed the game with a composed fourth quarter, never allowing the Hoods to build enough momentum for a late comeback.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Key Moments That Decided the Game

The Dragons opened with a 10-2 run, immediately putting the Hoods on the back foot. Nottingham recovered to trail 22-18 after the first quarter, but the second period belonged almost entirely to Yorkshire. A 12-2 burst midway through the quarter stretched the lead to 34-20 and forced the Hoods into a timeout.

Nottingham’s best stretch came in the third quarter. Trailing 46-33 at halftime, the Hoods produced a 12-4 run to cut the gap to five points. The home crowd sensed a turnaround, but Yorkshire’s guards settled the game with back-to-back three-pointers. That response pushed the lead back to double digits and took the sting out of Nottingham’s comeback attempt.

In the fourth quarter, the Hoods briefly reduced the deficit to nine, but the Dragons answered with a 10-2 run that sealed the result. Yorkshire’s ability to score after Nottingham made a run was the defining feature of the contest.

Tactical Story: Defense and Rebounding Lift the Dragons

Yorkshire’s 2-3 zone gave Nottingham trouble throughout the evening. The Hoods were forced into perimeter shots and finished the night shooting just 7-of-28 from beyond the arc. The Dragons, by contrast, were more efficient from deep, knocking down 10 three-pointers and using those outside looks to open up driving lanes.

Rebounding was another key area. Yorkshire won the battle on the boards 42-31, including 13 offensive rebounds that led to second-chance points. The Dragons also protected the ball better, committing 10 turnovers compared to Nottingham’s 15. Those extra possessions proved costly for the Hoods, who struggled to convert at the free-throw line, making 12 of 18 attempts.

Nottingham’s half-court offense often stalled when Yorkshire switched aggressively on screens. The Hoods found some success inside early, but as the game wore on, Yorkshire’s length and activity around the rim made every shot difficult. The Dragons also won the points-in-the-paint battle 38-28 and held a 22-14 advantage in bench scoring.

Standout Players

• Marcus Cole (Yorkshire Dragons): 24 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 three-pointers. Cole was the game’s most influential player, scoring in transition and hitting timely shots whenever Nottingham threatened.
• DeAndre Simmons (Yorkshire Dragons): 18 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks. Simmons controlled the interior and gave the Dragons a reliable second option on offense.
• Tyler Grant (Yorkshire Dragons): 15 points, 6 assists, 3 steals. Grant’s poise in the backcourt helped Yorkshire handle Nottingham’s pressure.
• Jordan Blake (Nottingham Hoods): 19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists. Blake fought hard for the Hoods and was their most consistent scorer.
• Callum Reid (N