Eagles are one step closer to a clean sweep of BBL silverware after beating Sheffield Sharks 118-78 at Sport Central to complete a 209-168 aggregate success.
Holding a one-point edge from Friday’s first leg in Sheffield, the BBL Championship, Cup and Trophy winners dominated the home return, connecting on 55 per cent of their field goals to reach a fourth consecutive Play-off Final.
Fab Flournoy, The legend strides on. Photo David Howe
Lions’ route to The O2 was less straightforward.
Vince Macaulay’s men were beaten 85-77 away at Cheshire Phoenix on Sunday, but progressed 158-153 on aggregate, having triumphed 81-68 in Friday’s opener.
A 17-3 start to the fourth quarter from John Coffino’s side teed up a tense final few minutes, but Zaire Taylor secured the overall victory from the free throw line, finishing with a personal total of 32 points.
Eagles’ fans celebrate, Photo by Dave Moore.
Newcastle Eagles are one step closer to a clean sweep of BBL silverware after reaching the BBL Play-off Final with a 118-78 Semi Final second leg victory against Sheffield Sharks on Sunday.
Holding a one-point edge from Friday’s first leg in Sheffield, the BBL Championship, Cup and Trophy winners dominated the home return, connecting on 55 per cent of their field goals to reach a fourth consecutive Play-off Final.
All over for the Sharks. Library photo by David Howe
After an even opening period, Fab Flournoy’s side took control as Rahmon Fletcher began to exert his influence over the contest, going on to tally a game-high 28 points.
Eagles’ impressive ball movement saw them rack up 31 assists, Drew Lasker leading the team with seven off the bench as the hosts also scored 20 points from Sharks’ turnovers.
For Atiba Lyons’ side, their incredible late season surge comes to an end, despite a 21-point, 14-rebound double-double from the talismanic Mike Tuck.
Andrew Thomson also had 17 points and 16 rebounds in the victory as Charles Smith added 23.
End of the line for the 2014/15 Phoenix. Library photo.
London Lions will meet Newcastle Eagles in next week’s BBL Play-off Final at The O2 after holding on to their aggregate advantage despite being beaten 85-77 at Cheshire Phoenix on Sunday.
A 13-point victory in Friday’s first leg at the Copper Box had put Vince Macaulay’s side in pole position, and they led for much of the return too.
But a 17-3 Phoenix spurt to start the final period, sparked by the scoring of the impressive Dustin Salisbery, pulled the hosts within touching distance of a famous comeback.
Is Vince about to lift another trophy?
Simeon Naydenov’s triple then sent John Coffino’s side 11 points up on the night with just over a minute to play.
But the forward committed a costly turnover with 24 seconds remaining, wasting an opportunity for a shot at the overall tie before Zaire Taylor was able to settle things from the free throw line during a dramatic final minute.
Taylor enjoyed another free-scoring performance, leading Lions with 32 points while Salisbery was the high man for Phoenix with 24.
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