Game Report: Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles 88 – 93 Surrey Scorchers

The Surrey Scorchers snapped the Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles’ six-game winning streak in Friday night British Basketball League action.

Thanks to 26 points from Justin Robinson, the Scorchers finally became the team to crack the code to the Eagles undefeated run, beating them 93-88 at the Vertu Motors Arena.

Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles starting five: Rickey McGill, Devin Whitfield, Jordan Johnson, Darius Defoe, Tajh Green

Surrey Scorchers starting five: Abdul Mohamed, Saiquan Jamison, Padiet Wang, Josh Steel, Justin Robinson

First Half

The Surrey Scorchers arrived at the Vertu Motors Arena with more than enough motivation as they prepared to face the Seriös Group Newcastle Eagles. The teams met just last week, with the Geordies securing a 13-point victory.

Surrey have since bounced back with a win over the Plymouth City Patriots, but they knew that a win would propel them two wins above the Manchester Giants in a playoff position.

The well-rested Eagles hadn’t played for a week, but started the night as the most in-form team in the league, having put together a six-game winning streak.

That momentum certainly carried over into the opening period of this contest, as they applied swarming defence to force a string of Surrey turnovers and attacked down low, with the league’s most tenured player Darius Defoe setting an early example.

Rickey McGill helped establish Newcastle’s lead in the first quarter, driving the lane and playing merciless individual defence, grabbing three steals in the opening ten minutes.

The Scorchers inability to protect the ball dampened some otherwise positive basketball. Padiet Wang made a hot start to lessen the effect of the turnovers and keep his team in the game.

Lloyd Gardner’s side were able to tighten up in the second quarter. The visiting side moved the ball well, with veteran guard Justin Robinson orchestrating effectively.

As the teams exchanged leads throughout the period, Surrey showed no signs of backing down from a powerful Eagles team. The Scorchers positive upturn was punctuated by Robinson’s buzzer-beating lay-up, which ensured the game was all square at 41-41 heading into the break.

Second Half

The game continued to go back and forth in the third quarter. Every time the Scorchers would carve out a lead through Robinson and Abdul Mohamed’s dynamic play, the Marc Steutel’s team would respond through the bruising frontcourt of Defoe and Tajh Green.

Things became heated and tensions rose, as each side attempted to take control of the match-up. An old-fashioned physical competition unfolded, as the Eagles steadfastly fed the ball down low, while Surrey provided a more modern look, letting it fly from deep at every opportunity.

Andrew Lawrence showed his experience with a confident shooting display in the third quarter, which provided the Scorchers with a five point lead. Then back came McGill and the Eagles with a scoring flurry to keep them within touching distance.

Robinson continued to spearhead the Scorchers offence. The two-time league MVP played with extreme confidence and cut through the Newcastle defence with apparent ease.

Unfortunately his unwavering composure didn’t apply across the roster. Some frantic offensive mistakes invited Newcastle back in the game and the Eagles capitalised. With two minutes remaining, the game was tied.

Scorchers captain Tayo Ogedengbe then stepped up with a pair of deep buckets down the stretch, as well as forcing his way to the charity stripe before splitting his free throws. Just like that, the veteran had put his team ahead.

Tactical fouls followed and when Robinson found nylon with aplomb, Surrey had taken home a crucial road victory and brought an end to Newcastle’s winning streak.

Player of the Game

Tonight’s Player of the Game was Justin Robinson, who scored 26 points at a clip of 46%, while also helping his team with four rebounds.