Phoenix late burst seals spot in Semi-Finals.
BBL Cup, Quarter-Final
Esh Group Eagles Newcastle 79-80 Cheshire Phoenix (26-23, 39-48, 59-60)
Cheshire Phoenix produced a stunning late run to knock out the current holders and hand Esh Group Eagles Newcastle their first loss of the season.
The Eagles – who were without Saah Nimley – squandered a 12-point lead as the visitors snatched the win to make the Semi-Finals.
Leading scorers – Paige 22, Defoe 19, Martin 14 (Eagles); Gettys 22, Jackman 19, Sandoval 14 (Phoenix)
Turning point – Having trailed by nine at half-time, Newcastle produced strong starts to both the third and fourth periods and were up 79-67, but Cheshire rallied to score the final 13 points of the game in an incredible finish.
Key stat – The Eagles struggled from downtown, going 3-of-14 in the contest, while their opponents made 9 in total, including three straight to spark the winning 13-0 close.
Game hero(es) – CJ Gettys posted a huge double-double of 22 points and 18 rebounds in the win, while it was Orlan Jackman, who came up with the game-winner against his former side to finish with 19 points.