Money’ Mike Okauru insists Newcastle Eagles can cash in on this season’s European campaign and create more history for British basketball’s most successful franchise.

The US star returned from an ankle injury to help the men in black overcome reigning champions Bakken Bears and seal their spot in the European Basketball League (ENBL) Final Four.

But Okauru cautioned against looking too far into the future with tomorrow’s must-win clash at fierce rivals Leicester looming large.

“Tuesday was a really historic night for the club,” said the free scoring guard as he looked back on Newcastle’s convincing 93-73 win against the shellshocked Bears.

“I was just happy to be back with my guys and to win, advance to the Final Four and continue our progress as a team.

“I’m glad I’m part of Eagles history. I’m glad I’m part of Darius Defoe’s history. He has the greatest resumé in UK basketball and I’m just happy to be one of the players that’s contributed to that.”

Ageless forward Defoe started a do-or-die game against a powerful Bakken outfit after admitting Tuesday’s clash could well have been the biggest 40 minutes of his illustrious career.

Ultimately the hosts won with ease — clinching all four quarters and making light of a three-point first leg deficit.

Six players hit double figures on another night to remember for the Newcastle faithful and Okauru added: “In qualification we proved we belonged in the ENBL.

“Knocking out the holders just backed that up.

“Now we have an opportunity to make more history for this fantastic franchise.

“We’re chasing another championship and we have a great chance to go all the way.

“From the beginning of this season’s ENBL journey the conversation was always around winning the whole competition.

“That’s the only thing that’s ever been on our mind and we’re still on target.”

That Newcastle are just two wins away from clinching a first European trophy is remarkable given an incredibly testing month so far.

After going through February unbeaten, the loss of Okauru and Malcolm Delpeche — subsequently ruled out for the season — coincided with five defeats on the bounce.

But a brilliant showing against Bakken snapped that losing streak and proved the Eagles are ready to add another piece of silverware to their 2025 Trophy title.

“Now we need to park the whole ENBL thing and focus on the Championship,” added Okauru.

“The last couple of league defeats were clearly down to a dip in energy and a failure to follow the scout.

“With a few days’ rest and a renewed focus we showed we’re not finished yet.

“Bakken was a good stepping stone for us in terms of getting back on track in the league and I hope we can take Tuesday’s energy into the Leicester game.

“Anyone who watched the way we played against the Bears can see just how dangerous we can become during the latter part of the season.”

Okauru cut a frustrated figure during his time on the sidelines — powerless to prevent a run of losses that have put Newcastle’s bid for a top four finish under serious pressure.

A whole bunch of increasingly confident rivals have been massing behind the Eagles with Bristol Flyers one of a clutch of clubs in pole position to overhaul Marc Steutel’s men.

With the Championship’s top three home and clear it’s all about clinging on to fourth place and Okauru added: “We have to find a way of keeping those teams at bay.

“I think at this point it’s going to be tough to force our way back into the top three but we can definitely secure that fourth spot.

“We just have to stay focused and keep winning games. It starts at Leicester this weekend.”