BBL Cup holders Esh Group Eagles Newcastle demonstrated their appetite for the key moments once again as they outlasted Glasgow Rocks 83-78 at Sport Central on Friday to reach the Semi-Finals.

In a captivating repeat of the 2015 BBL Cup Final, the two teams traded the lead time and again before entering the final 50 seconds tied at 78.

That is when Rahmon Fletcher picked the pocket of Jonny Bunyan and scored to give the hosts a two-point edge before they held their nerve to profit from Rocks’ mistakes and ice the victory from the free-throw line.

Joe Chapman was the high man for Newcastle, tallying 23 points and 10 rebounds, as well as converting two key foul shots in the closing moments.

The visitors were hampered by injury trouble for Kieron Achara, who still managed to contribute 15 points and eight boards while Warren Gillis (19 points, 12 rebounds) and Marcus Ware (13 points, 11 rebounds) added double-doubles.

Eagles have reached the BBL Cup Final in each of the past four seasons, and this will be their sixth consecutive Semi-Final appearance as their unbeaten start to the season reaches nine games.