Eagles finish on a high as Thunder clinch final play-off spot

NEWLY-crowned BBL Championship winners Newcastle Eagles celebrated in style with a victory over Glasgow Rocks.

After picking up the title on Saturday thanks to a late score against nearest rivals the Sheffield Sharks, the Eagles overcame the Rocks in Scotland 91-78.

Charles Smith was the Eagles top scorer as he hit six three-pointers on his way to 29 points while Joe Chapman chipped in with 21.

Rob Yanders had kept the Rocks in the game thanks to his 33 points but it was not enough as the BBL champions finished their season on a high.

Meanwhile, Worthing Thunder left it late to secure their play-off place as they had to take their game with Plymouth Raiders to overtime to set up a clash with the Eagles.

With five minutes remaining, the Raiders were 10 points ahead, but a late rally saw the Thunder level the scores with less than a minute left.

Reggie Bratton notched up 41 points as he helped the Thunder take charge in overtime with an 11-1 run to finish the game 101-91 to the good.

The result meant that Worcester Wolves' closely fought win over Guildford Heat was not enough to put them into the play-off spots, as they had to settle for ninth in the league.

Elsewhere, Cheshire Jets got a confidence boost ahead of their play-off tie with Everton Tigers as they defeated strugglers Essex Pirates 99-62.

The final play-off games will see second placed Sheffield Sharks take on Marshall MK Lions while Glasgow Rocks, who finished third in the league, will take on Leicester Riders.