BBL Championship
Esh Group Eagles Newcastle 118 (20, 52, 87) (Smith 21, Defoe 19, Martin 14)
Cheshire Phoenix 80 (23, 43, 54) (Rochford 27, Williams 17, Ellis 11)
Esh Group Eagles Newcastle 118 (20, 52, 87) (Smith 21, Defoe 19, Martin 14)
Cheshire Phoenix 80 (23, 43, 54) (Rochford 27, Williams 17, Ellis 11)
Charles Smith went for a triple-double as Esh Group Eagles Newcastle extended their perfect BBL Championship start to seven games with a 118-80 defeat of Cheshire Phoenix at Sport Central on Friday.
The defending champions continue to set the pace after hitting three figures for the first time this season with a display of high-level execution on both ends of the floor.
Eagles’ depth told as seven players scored in double figures, Smith leading the way with 21 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.
Phoenix, who were unbeaten on the road going into this game, appeared ready for the fight, leading by three points after 10 minutes.
But when Stuart Thomson connected from downtown to open the second period it sparked a 14-4 run and the hosts never looked back.
Eagles’ efficiency was highlighted by their 37 assists and just seven turnovers while Drew Lasker underlined their dominance with a triple to beat the third-quarter buzzer.
Phoenix were paced by Kinu Rochford’s 27 points, but were never in contention after their good start and slip to a 3-3 record.
