Eagles snatch thrilling win over Sharks

THE Newcastle Eagles completed a Fabulous winning end to the regular season by taking a thrilling 84-82 win in Sheffield yesterday, writes Jeff King.

After defeating the BBL champions at home on Friday, this was their first away win since the BBL Cup Final in January.

The first period started with two triples from Scott Martin, forcing an early Sheffield time-out at 8-2. A rare Flournoy triple put them up 13-2.

The introduction of Colin Sing and hot-shot Jordan Davis, who hit two quick triples, gave the Sharks some momentum but the Eagles brought Joe Hart on and his quick seven points enabled them to close the first quarter 27-20 ahead.

The second quarter saw Newcastle miss easy layups, and turn overs and fouls crept into their play.

Martin was called for an unsportsmanlike foul, giving the Sharks a chance to grab the lead.

The Sharks brought the half to a close with a 22-10 period that gave them a 42-37 lead.

The third period opened with the Sharks nudging their lead out to 53-44.

But Rahmon Fletcher inspired an astonishing 20-0 run, scoring 16 as he tore the Sharks to shreds. He was helped by Martin as firstly he levelled the scores and then a Martin triple, steal and dunk took Newcastle five in front and Sharks called a time-out.

But Fletcher scored a further eight points before Sharks finally rallied, hitting the last five points of the period to make it 66-60 to the visitors.

Christian Behrens scored four quick points for Newcastle to take them out to a 10-point lead before Sheffield began to chip away at the deficit. When Reshawn Rembert tripled and pulled the home side back to 69-72, the Eagles called time-out. It didn’t stop the Sharks flow as two Eagles turn overs allowed them to level at 74-74.

Drew Lasker hit an outrageous off-balance triple from the corner that kissed in off the glass and when his team-mates responded with a defensive stop, Sheffield were forced to foul.

Eagles made two free-throws and Sharks had one final chance but Rembert’s triple to win the game was short as time expired to give the Eagles a memorable win and send them in to the play-offs in a winning mode.