The Newcastle Eagles went into Friday night’s home game in the BBL Cup Group stage against Leicester Riders looking to maintain their 100% record so far this season.

The Eagles had won both their previous games in the so-called “Group of Death” on the road in London and last Sunday in Leicester. That game had been a brilliant advert for British basketball and saw Newcastle come away with a 102 – 96 victory.

Leicester though came North looking for revenge and after another high-quality, intense, and fiercely fought 40 minutes the away side succeeded in their ambition prevailing 88 – 82. It meant the two sides split their clashes and also ended level on points.


Newcastle’s star performer on the night was new Eagle Rex Pflueger. The former Notre Dame standout tallied 21 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in an all-action effort which unfortunately was in vain. Pflueger was far from downhearted after the game as he explained.

Highlights of Rex Pflueger in action against Leicester Riders: