Chapman haul brings Newcastle level with Sharks

Posted: Sunday 14th February 2010 | 1:13

JOE Chapman's 26 point haul helped Newcastle Eagles return to level pegging with Sheffield Sharks at the top of the BBL Championship.

The Eagles faced a tricky Guildford Heat side and found themselves on the back foot in the first two periods, ending up 47-44 down at half-time.

But a dominant third quarter performance from the North East outfit saw the Eagles establish a 74-58 lead going into the final period, before tying up a 110-83 win.

Julius Joseph led all scorers with 27 for the Heat but contributions of 21 from Reggie Jackson and 19 from Charles Smith saw the Eagles soar home.

Meanwhile, fifth-placed Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders suffered a mixed weekend, slipping to a 94-87 defeat at Everton Tigers on Friday before bouncing back to keep their playoff hopes alive with a 89-80 defeat of Worthing Thunder on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Airwaves Plymouth Raiders secured their sixth win of the season with a 92-84 defeat of Cheshire Jets.

Chez Marks was in rampant form for the Jets and bagged 30 points but a combined 40 points from Florentino Valencia and Allister Gall saw the Raiders home.

Finally, Worcester Wolves edged out Essex Pirates 75-70 in Chelmsford with Daniel Gilbert contributing 26 for the away side.