Eagles book place in sixth consecutive BBL Trophy final

Posted: Saturday 6th March 2010 | 11:21

NEWCASTLE Eagles sealed a place in their sixth consecutive BBL Trophy final with a 185-176 aggregate victory over Everton Tigers.

The Eagles, who are defending Trophy champions, took a slim four point advantage into the second leg after an 89-85 win in Newcastle in February.

But the Tigers were unable to make their most of their home advantage, letting slip a 49-39 lead at half time to eventually lose 96-91 in Merseyside.

Olu Babalola led all scorers with 23 for the Tigers but Joe Chapman inspired the Eagles back into the match with 21.

Meanwhile, there was little to pick between the Eagles' two potential final opponents as Marshall MK Lions edged out Cheshire Jets 80-79 in at Middleton Hall.

The Lions have been in torrid form of late but looked a changed side as they raced to a 22-8 lead in the first quarter.

But the Jets, who edged the two sides' BBL Cup semi final meeting earlier in the season, roared back into the match and took a 38-34 lead at half time before eventually settling for a one point deficit ahead of their home leg.

Dawud Morris led all scorers for the Lions with 22, while Steven Gayle struck back with 21 for the Jets.