BBL: Worcester Wolves end Newcastle Eagles' unbeaten run
Last Updated: 01/02/16 10:47am
The second-best winning streak in BBL history came to an end on Friday as Worcester Wolves inflicted a 94-80 defeat on the previously unbeaten Newcastle Eagles.
Fab Flournoy's Eagles last tasted defeat back in April 2015, winning 28 games in a row including the BBL Cup final just five days ago.
But Paul James' Wolves side extended their fine record against the champions, beating them for the seventh time in their last 10 meetings to boost their BBL Championship title bid.
Pavol Losonsky led Wolves with 26 points while Orlan Jackman did a bit of everything on his way to 16.
It did not look as though there would be any cup final hangover for the Eagles as they jumped out to a nine-point lead in the opening period.
But an 8-0 run during the second period, inspired by the all-round play of Jackman, helped Wolves seize the initiative.
Worcester did a good job of controlling the game during the fourth quarter, but the Eagles kept coming and pulled within seven points inside the final four minutes following a Charles Smith triple.
However, the baskets in transition they would usually convert to close the gap were simply not falling, and the league leaders came up short.
Smith had 18 points in a losing effort while there were 15 each for Scott Martin and Rahmon Fletcher.
James said: "I don't think any team has trouble getting up for Newcastle. We matched them physically, matched them mentally and knocked down shots when we needed to.
"It was a real team performance, and that's what we can do if everybody comes to play.
"If we can play good defence it creates easy offence and tonight was one of our best defensive displays."
