A typically tenacious second half fightback couldn’t prevent Newcastle Eagles leaking another league loss on the road at Bristol Flyers.

Not for the first time this season Marc Steutel’s men gave themselves a mountain to climb as the hosts raced into a 13-point first half lead.

And Newcastle trailed by as many as 21 as Bristol looked to lay down a marker ahead of this month’s Trophy final in Birmingham.

But when the Eagles made it a two-possession game with the final buzzer in sight, it looked like the visitors were planning to bring down the curtain on another pulsating late, late show.

Ultimately a powerful fourth period was too little too late as the comeback kings couldn’t quite get over the line.

And Newcastle will look back on seven spurned free throws, a lack of defensive intensity before the break and some missed opportunities from beyond the arc as the dust settles on a disappointing defeat.

Nevertheless, 90-plus points on the road is reason for optimism and five Eagles hit double figures at the WISE Arena.

‘Money’ Mike Okauru added four assists and three boards to his Newcastle-high 23 points.

De’Sean Allen-Eikens’ welcome return to form — following a minor wrist injury — gathered pace as the electric rookie poured in 21 points in just 26 minutes.

And with new signing Trey Pulliam looking on from the bench there’s a sense that Steutel’s men have more than enough in their locker to reverse a tough result and claim silverware in two weeks’ time.

If the Eagles are to take home the SLB Trophy on January 26, then limiting the threat of Flyers’ prolific Keddy Johnson will be of paramount importance.

The pacy guard bagged 30 points, shooting 66 per cent from the field, and always looked a handful in possession.

Supported by Demond Robinson (23 points) and Kendall Lewis (12 points and 11 rebounds), Johnson looked unstoppable at times.

And his cool hands from the bonus stripe (11/12 free throws) will have given Newcastle plenty of food for thought.

A competitive first quarter saw Bristol open up a 27-23 lead with both teams impressing on the fast break.

But Eagles took their foot off the pedal after the restart and Andreas Kapoulas’ men made a significant momentum shift count.

Robinson and Johnson gained a grip on the game inside and out as Newcastle struggled to protect the ball.

And the hosts led 52-39 heading into the second half — extending that advantage to 63-42 on the back of a Jared Sherfield triple.

Christian James sparked a much-needed fourth period fightback as the US guard hit the first six Eagles points of the quarter.

Newcastle continued to chip away at Flyers’ lead and an Allen-Eikens step back three closed the gap to 96-92 with 17 seconds on the clock.

The relentless rookie scored again with just three seconds remaining but Johnson’s steady shooting at the free throw brought Bristol two much-needed points.

Tickets for this coming Friday’s return home against London Lions are available from the box office.