In an electrifying game in the British Basketball League, the Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles soared to their fifth consecutive victory, triumphing over the Caledonia Gladiators with a final score of 82-73.
Caledonia Gladiators starting five: Ian DuBose, Prince Onwas, Patrick Whelan, Lukas Palyza, Fahro Alihodzic.
Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles starting five: Rickey McGill, Devin Whitfield, Jordan Johnson, Darius Defoe, Tajh Green.
First Quarter
Newcastle’s experienced big man, Darius Defoe, made an initial attempt to score, swiftly countered by Gladiators’ forward Prince Onwas, who nullified the effort, seizing an opportunity for an effortless two points at the opposite end of the court.
The Eagles swiftly found themselves at the free-throw line in the early stages of the game, scoring an efficient 7-8 from the charity stripe before halftime.
Jordan Johnson marked Newcastle’s first field goal with an impressive long-range shot, building on a stellar performance of 24 points and 13 assists in their recent game against the Plymouth City Patriots.
The Gladiators’ offensive powerhouse, centre Fahro Alihodzic, exhibited an unstoppable presence in the paint, consistently converting close-range opportunities. Meanwhile, Lukas Palyza stood ready on the perimeter, expertly sinking significant shots from outside whenever the inside play wasn’t delivering easy points for Caledonia, going 2-for-2 from deep before the halftime break.
Newcastle mirrored the offensive fervour, creating opportunities for Tajh Green to soar uncontested in the lane, capitalizing on second chances with thunderous dunks, showcasing their high-flying prowess.
Palyza remained a force from beyond the arc, consistently igniting the scoreboard, while Patrick Whelan showcased his finesse by manoeuvring skilfully through the energetic defence of Newcastle, creating opportunities for Caledonia.
Following a dynamic and spirited first quarter, Caledonia emerged with a commanding lead, holding a 29-18 advantage over Newcastle.
Second Quarter
The second quarter saw an impressive 4-0 start for the Eagles, with Johnson and the team displaying an accelerated pace, moving the ball purposefully down the court.
The clash between the big men intensified as Alihodzic thwarted Defoe’s shot attempt close to the basket, initiating a swift transition for Whelan, who raced down the court to secure an effortless two points for Caledonia.
Two stellar attacking possessions propelled the Eagles back into the lead. Will Neighbour set the stage by facilitating a precision play for Devin Whitfield under the hoop, slicing through the defence. This was swiftly followed by a kick and pop move that allowed Neighbour to sink a crucial shot from the top of the arc, further bolstering Newcastle’s position in the game.
The Gladiators maintained a narrow lead, heading into halftime with a score of 38-37 against the Eagles in what has been an intense and closely contested matchup.
Third Quarter
The third quarter unfolded as a seesaw battle, with both teams exchanging scoring plays from various positions on the court, intensifying the competition as they traded blows in a relentless back-and-forth exchange.
Newcastle surged from the onset, with Johnson, Whitfield, and Rickey McGill punishing the Gladiators’ defence with a barrage of three-pointers, setting an intense tone early in their offensive onslaught.
In contrast, Caledonia asserted dominance in the paint, as Alihodzic continued to wreak havoc inside, scoring 14 of 30 points in the paint by the end of the third quarter.
Nevertheless, Newcastle showcased exceptional team play with impressive ball distribution, culminating in a play that found Neighbour positioned in the corner, enabling him to effortlessly sink a three-pointer.
Eagles shot an impressive five shots from beyond the arc with a commendable 56% accuracy, solidifying their small but solid lead.
Fourth Quarter
As the game entered its decisive final quarter, Newcastle held on to a narrow lead, with the score standing at 54-60, maintaining the pressure on Caledonia in this closely contested matchup.
Neighbour continued his impressive streak from beyond the arc, sinking his third consecutive three-pointer, showcasing his consistency and further boosting Newcastle’s offensive momentum.
Despite the Gladiators showcasing some clutch moments, highlighted by a strong and-one possession by Clifton Moore Jr. in the paint, the Eagles maintained their clinical approach from the floor. Whitfield and Johnson once again contributed to their three-point collection, extending Newcastle’s lead with their consistent scoring prowess, combining for six threes.
Newcastle’s comfortable lead at 64-75 faced a challenge as Palyza and Whelan stepped up their game, delivering clutch plays that swiftly narrowed the gap, turning the match into a single-digit contest once again, 70-75.
Gladiator hit again soon after, this time Ian DuBose’s heroic three-point shooting tightening the score line to 73-75.
In a thrilling climax, the Eagles executed a decisive 7-0 run in the final minute, sealing a 73-82 victory.
This win marks Newcastle’s fifth consecutive triumph, their longest streak since March 2019, bolstering their record to 7 wins. Meanwhile, Caledonia faced their first defeat on home turf this season, marking their fourth loss of the campaign despite their formidable performance.
Player of the Game
Jordan Johnson, a standout performer in tonight’s thrilling clash, showcased his all-around brilliance on the court. Finishing with an impressive stat line of 24 points, four rebounds, and seven assists, Johnson delivered a stellar performance for the in-form Eagles. Notably, this marks his second consecutive game scoring 24 points, while his remarkable playmaking shines through with at least seven assists in his last four outings.
Team | Name | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
Caledonia Gladiators | Fahro Alihodzic | 18 | 6 | 0 |
Caledonia Gladiators | Patrick Whelan | 14 | 8 | 6 |
Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles | Jordan Johnson | 24 | 4 | 7 |
Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles | Rickey McGill | 18 | 5 | 6 |
With the new season here, you can still get your British Basketball fix by following the League on social media or heading to our YouTube channel to relive all of the best moments from the current season.