Newcastle Eagles stretched their winning streak to six games — gaining a critical advantage in this season’s two-legged Trophy semi-final tie.

But head coach Marc Steutel cut a frustrated figure on the final buzzer as the hot and cold hosts surrendered a 17-point lead to allow Leicester Riders back in.

Rob Paternostro’s men dominated the second half with a 49-point burst that means there’s plenty to play for in the East Midlands on December 22.

And Riders’ strong finish took some of the gloss off what was, nevertheless, an eye-catching 95-91 Eagles win against one of Super League Basketball’s leading sides.

In-form Seneca Knight added four rebounds, three assists and two steals to his Newcastle-high 23 points.

And on a night when the men in black had five players in double figures, the Eagles scored almost half of their points from the bench.

Christian James (16), Josh Ward-Hibbert (18) and Cole Long (13) all hit clutch baskets to keep Newcastle in control.

But Steutel admitted post-match that things were far from perfect following the highs of Tuesday’s stunning come-from-behind win against CSO Voluntari.

And scoring-wise it was a quieter night for the franchise’s Euro heroes Mike Okauru and De’Sean Allen-Eikens — although the Eagles always looked more dangerous when the latter was on court.

Newcastle’s 17-point advantage at the half was built on stifling defence and efficient offence as Riders felt the full force of Steutel ball at its bulldozing best.

The seven-times Trophy winners stole possession eight times in the opening 20 minutes as they swarmed all over Paternostro’s nonplussed team.

And if Leicester were finding some joy under the glass — the visitors would go on to dominate the rebounding battle — then the Eagles were engineering good looks and finishing in style.

But Riders had coasted through the Trophy group stage with an unbeaten record and, just as it had done a week earlier at the Vertu Motors Arena, half-time proved to be a momentum killer for Newcastle.

Newly named November Coach of The Month Steutel saw his side’s early dominance slowly eroded after the restart as Leicester battled back.

Charles Thompson set about bagging himself an impressive double double as he added 18 points to his 14 boards.

And Jaylin Hunter — who turned the ball over five times — finally found his range to dish up 11 assists and bag 19 points.

Newcastle lost the third quarter 25-17 and the fourth period 24-19 but a team that’s never beaten right now refused to lose.

And the Eagles’ trademark determination down the stretch paid dividends yet again as Knight hit five late points — including a last-minute triple — to seal a hard-fought win.

That the home team converted 22 of 23 from this bonus stripe proved key with five players perfect from the free throw line.

Newcastle forced 17 turnovers as the Eagles’ high tempo press continually embarrassed an initially nervy Riders.

But both sides will fancy their chances in a fortnight’s time with a place in January’s Birmingham final up for grabs.

Before then, third-placed Newcastle and fourth-placed Leicester lock horns in the Championship on December 15.

The Eagles next home game is a must-win Cup first round knockout clash against Caledonia and tickets are available on the box office.