Newcastle Eagles will aim for back-to-back SLB Trophy wins after they ousted the Cheshire Phoenix over the two-legged semi-final.
Powered by Gus Okafor and Ray’Sean Taylor who had 16 points each, the Eagles captured the first leg over the Phoenix 100-89 to take an 11-point advantage into Sunday’s second leg.
Despite that defeat, Cheshire knew they still had a chance to dethrone Newcastle on their home floor. And in the second leg, the Phoenix almost did just that, as Patrick Robinson exploded for 40 points in a 112-105 victory.
However, apart from a crazy last quarter and in a game where there were 55 fouls and the team’s combined for 79 free-throws it was Newcastle that kept their nerve down the stretch.
Thanks to their control over the first three periods, the Eagles came away with a narrow 205-201 aggregate win to punch their ticket to Birmingham against London Lions on February 1 at the Utilita Arena.
Taylor again led Newcastle in the second leg with 22 points with Maceo Jack netting 20 points and Cole Long hitting 6 of 8 triples in his 19-point MVP performance.
A very happy Head Coach Marc Steutel gave his thoughts after the tie concluded in Newcastle’s favour.
“When you play a team that plays exceptionally fast and have one style of playing and dominate them for 70 minutes still managing to score 28 points in the final period I think we did a really good job managing the environment.”
“Managing some really difficult whistles and some really difficult calls I’m really proud that we were clearly the better team over 80 minutes. Exceptionally proud of the team. Grit, determination, will to win, force.”
“All of the attributes that are important to be a Newcastle Eagles basketball player. Attributes that the City deserves and what these players want to embody were there in abundance.”
Steutel knew that the 11-point lead his team took into the game was helpful but never took it as being decisive as they negotiated the second leg.
“It was a really difficult situation to manage. We weren’t at times allowed to establish the defence we wanted too which we’ll reflect upon. But to put 205 points on the board against this team over two games shows our development and improvement.”
“Our buy-in, tenacity and will to win on that side of the ball made me really proud and positive. We have to be realistic on being dominant in the game for over 70 minutes and I think that’s where the reflections should be.”
Steutel also gave praise to the loyal and passionate Newcastle fans who he felt played a big part in supporting his side.
“We’re excited to give our incredible fans another monumental day out. Birmingham and the Trophy are special to us. We understand that playing a EuroCup team in London is going to be a monumental task.”
“But we’re excited to go in there as underdogs with our backs against the wall and continue to embody the values of the team and the values of the City, the value of the fans and the values of the club and go from there.”
“My final shout-out is to the fans that travelled on the day. Battled difficult conditions with snow and everything else came out in bunches made incredible noise and incredible support for us.”
“It’s a massive, massive thank-you to the fans and I want that to be emphasised because they were amazing. Home fans on Friday gave us clear support and then the away fans on Sunday. I’m made-up for the fans and very excited for them as well.”
Eagles actually play London Lions this Friday night in the Vertu Arena in the SLB Championship. So both sides will get a good look at each other and a chance to evaluate strengths and weaknesses before the Trophy Final shoot-out.
Tickets for both this Friday’s league tip-off and the Trophy Final are available from the box office.
