Recap

Newcastle Eagles 76  v City Of Birmingham Rockets 69

Head Coach – Darius Defore / Assistant Coach – Dominic Taylor

Starting 5 – Luke Tucker, Lewis Pinnock, Harry Merrifield, Tyler Cadete, Leo Glaholm

The Eagles welcomed the City of Birmingham Rockets for their second meet up of the season.

Quarter 1 opened with end-to-end play from both teams.  Birmingham were the first to find their way through to the basket with a 2 point shot from their predominant basket scorer.   The first of quite a few fouls in this quarter saw Harry Merrifield step up to the free throw line to get the Eagles first point of the game.  The Rockets extended their lead to 5 points, but the Eagles quickly fought back with a 3 point shot from Luke Tucker.  However, once again Birmingham managed to extend their lead.  A flurry of baskets from Leo Glaholm, Ewan Aditjandra and Luke Tucker pulled it back.  Two more 3-point shots from Luke Tucker pushed the Eagles in front and the quarter ended 19-18 to the Eagles.

Quarter 2 started out with some strong defence from Arran Dower causing the Rockets to faulter and loose procession.  A foul sent Ewan Aditjandra to the free throw line for 1 point.  Play ran once again end to end with these two evenly matched teams.  Luke Tucker added another 2 points to his tally quickly followed by a 2-point shot by Leo Glaholm.  Birmingham managed to tie the game once again and then found their way through the Eagles defence to take the lead.  A long pass down court saw Harry Merrifield tie the game up once more.  Birmingham once again answered with 2 baskets of their own extending their lead to.  Leo Glaholm fought his way through the Birmingham defence and onto the free throw line for 1 point.  Harry Merrifield added 2 more points to his tally and Arran Dower stepped up to the free throw line for 2 more points.  Yet another foul saw Luke Tucker step up to the free throw line for 2 points and the quarter ended 33-35 to Birmingham.

The second half saw the Eagles come out fighting, determined not to be outscored by Birmingham.  The strong defence denied Birmingham basket after basket; however Birmingham finally found a way through and landed the first basket of the half.  Not to be outdone Luke Tucker added another 3 to his points tally and stopped Birmingham running too far ahead.   Leo Glaholm was next on the scoresheet with 2 quick baskets reeling in Birmingham even more.  HARRY Merrifield brought the ball down the court for a 2-point shot that pushed the Eagles into the lead for a brief time however Birmingham added 2 quick baskets to jump in front again.  Arrand Dower shortened the deficit for a few moments, but Birmingham seemed to have an answer for every Eagles basket made.  Tyler Cadete added 3 baskets to his tally and the cracks started to show in a clearly rattled Birmingham.  Ewan Aditjandra added another basket of his own however 2 foul at the other rend saw Birmingham on the free throw line again for 1 point.  The quarter finished 53-50

The final quarter of this closely contested game saw both teams come out on the floor determined and full of fight.  An assist form Luke Tucker saw Lewis Pinnock add a basket to his tally but once again a foul at the Birmingham end saw then on the free throw line for 2 points.  An injury on the Birmingham team paused the game for treatment.  The game restarted with the Eagles holding a 5 point lead.  Lewis Pinnock extended this with a 2-point basket.  Birmingham answered with a three-point shot quickly followed by 2 more points.  A quick sprint down the court saw Harry Merrifield fouled and back on the free throw line but he was unable to take advantage however Leonardo scooped up the rebound and landed the 2 points.  A 3-point shot from Birmingham tied the game but Luke Tucker was having none of that and landed a 2 pint shot of his own.  Birmingham answered this with 2 points of their own and once again the game was tied.  Tensions began to boil with Coach Darius getting a technical warning.  Birmingham added 2 more points and the Eagles called a time out.  The Eagles came out determined but as play commenced Birmingham called a time out.  A scramble around the Eagles basket saw Lewis Pinnock sent to the free throw line where he took full advantage and tied the game.  A second time out was called, and the teams headed to the bench with a tied game.  Play recommenced and the Eagles defence stood strong under the Birmingham basket and for the first time this season the game went to overtime.

Overtime

Play started quickly and 2 points from Luke Tucker opened the scoring.  A 2-point shot from Harry Merrifield followed and the Eagles extended their lead, their determination was there for all to see.  Birmingham carried their foul trouble into extra time and a foul on Harry Merrifield sent him to the free throw line for 1 point.  Birmingham finally managed a basket of their own.  Luke Tucker answered this with 2 more points for his tally.  With a 5 point lead in hand another foul sent Harry back to the free throw line for 1 more point.  Luke Tucker and his signature corner 3 extended the Eagles lead and Birmingham could fine no answer.  The over time period finished 76 – 69 in favour of your Eagles.