Wednesday night the Newcastle Eagles lost their sixth successive SLB Championship game down in Manchester 105-79 after a dramatic second half collapse. At the half Manchester had been 39-35 ahead but those initial twenty minutes gave no real hint of what was to come.

In the final two periods of basketball the Eagles lost the twenty-minute stretch 66-45 including a very disappointing 32-16 third quarter where the game was essentially lost.

For Newcastle 25-points from Maceo Jack and 18 from Deion Hammond in the game were their high points but losing Terrell Burden with a game-ending suspected hamstring injury when only eleven points down in the third period was also a decisive factor.

It was though perhaps the Eagles inability to play good enough defence to slow down and combat Manchester’s offensive explosive power in the second half that meant their downfall by the end of a disappointing forty minutes.

Head Coach Marc Steutel who had to watch on from the stands as he served a one-match sideline ban gave his honest forthright comments on the performance in his post-game analysis of his side that was led in his absence by assistant coach Roberto Fois.

“The game was really frustrating. I’ve asked the players to be accountable and reflect deeply because the players weren’t good enough in many aspects of the game that directly correlate to winning.”

“We have consistently tried to emphasise and reinforce to ensure that we have some development in those areas. So, yes, really frustrated. Credit to Manchester as they played really well and are obviously in their stride and are a difficult team to play against with the offensive talent they have.”

“But my focus is on my team being frustrated with them and I’m demanding a response from them immediately. That’s the main focus.”

His players have that opportunity immediately as well as they face Surrey 89ers in the Vertu Arena on Friday night looking to stop their current losing run. Steutel knows it’s another tough test for his side.

“Surrey are also in a really good run of form being consistently good all season, so we know we have our hands full. We know they’re talented and their three-guard line-up is difficult to play against.”

“This will be the first time against them since they’ve added Tyrin Lawrence which we have to work out quickly. We have to ensure that we focus in every which way we can on us and play with the right level of desire and execution.”

“The areas of the game that directly correlate to winning we need to have more application across all those areas.”

One thing that is perhaps in Eagles favour is that they’ve already played and beaten the 89ers twice this season. The last time Surrey visited the Vertu Arena in November Newcastle won a thriller 92-89.

Then at the end of December Steutel’s side travelled to Surrey and came away with a rare away win this season 88-82. But that was before Friday’s opponents brought in (Tyrin) Lawrence and had such a good January that Lloyd Garnder was named SLB Coach of the Month.

Friday’s game tips off at the usual time of 7:30pm with Steutel back calling the plays and hoping to guide his side to a much-needed victory to reestablish their push for the end of season play-offs.

Tickets are still available from the box office but selling fast!