Tony's Tigers Tamed

By Simon Rushworth

Sat 01th Jan 2012 : 1:08

Newcastle Eagles capitalised on the Worcester Wolves' defeat to the One Health Sharks Sheffield to open up a four point lead at the top of the BBL Championship table.

Sport Central was treated to a see-saw clash before the hosts finally overcame a Mersey Tigers team in transition to complete a 94-77 win.

The Eagles exploded out of the blocks as they started the contest with a 14-4 run - including 10 points from Paul Gause.

Newcastle maintained their strong start throughout the remainder of the opening period and, coupled with some tight defense at the other end of the floor, they outscored the Tigers 25-7 in the first period. 

In the second quarter a basket from Darius Defoe took the Eagles lead out to 21 points at 36-15 with five minutes remaining in the half.

But a big three-pointer from David Aliu sparked the Tigers into life as they picked up their intensity at both ends of the floor and enjoyed a 22-2 tear.

Trailing by just a point at 38-37 at the half Mersey finally looked capable of repeating last weekend's shock win in Glasgow.

In the second half Aliu gave the Tigers the lead right at the start of the third quarter but a 10-2 response from the Eagles gave them the lead at 48-41. 

Both sides traded baskets for the remainder of the quarter but it was the visitors who finished the period the stronger as they netted five of the last eight points to head into the final stanza trailing by just six points at 67-61. 

In the final quarter a 9-4 start to the period from the home side took the score out to 76-65.  The Tigers could get no closer than 10 points at 85-75 and the Eagles sealed the victory with a 9-2 run to close out the game. 

Charles Smith (pictured) enjoyed a double-double night for the Eagles as he led the team in both points and rebounds with 22 points and 10 rebounds.  Aliu led the Tigers with 22 points personal.

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