Worthing Thunder 104 (22,46,76) (Bratton 32, Makalainen 23, Prezzie-Blue 15)
Newcastle Eagles 90 (21,49,72) (Smith 19, Bridge 17, Jackson/Chapman 15)

Worthing Thunder moved back into the play-off positions with a well-earned 104-90 win over reigning BBL champions Newcastle Eagles.

The defeat for Eagles leaves them six points adrift of Sheffield Sharks at the top of the table, although Fab Flournoy’s team have two games in hand.

Newcastle controlled the first quarter and led by six (15-21) on Reggie Jackson’s two. A 6-0 burst by Thunder capped by a Prezzie-Blue three put the home team on top 22-21.

Eagles again put themselves on top to take a 33-40 lead midway through the second quarter and they stretched it out to nine (39-48) before Thunder responded to close to 46-49 at half time.

Thunder were making a habit of ending quarters well and they did it again in the third with an 8-0 tear taking them into the final stanza 76-72 in front. That momentum was carried into the early stages of the fourth quarter with Reggie Bratton’s (pictured) three putting Worthing 85-78 up.

Eagles fought hard to trim the gap and were back at three (93-90) on Charles Smith’s free throw before an 11-0 run by Thunder to end the match made the victory safe.