SLB Championship: Phoenix survive late Eagles surge to win 101–98 at Cheshire Oaks

Cheshire Phoenix built a 14-point lead through three quarters and then survived a furious Newcastle Eagles finish, holding on for a 101–98 win at Cheshire Oaks Arena. Newcastle poured in 34 points in the fourth, but Cheshire did enough earlier—and just enough late—to close out a high-scoring game.

Cheshire set the tone from the start, winning Q1 26–17 and keeping their foot on the gas in the second quarter to take a 54–40 half-time advantage. Newcastle stabilised after the break, matching Cheshire’s 24 in the third, but still entered the final period trailing 78–64. The Eagles’ late push was fuelled by pace and shot-making, yet the Phoenix’s earlier control proved crucial as the hosts edged the closing possessions.

The shooting numbers underline why Cheshire were able to establish separation. Phoenix hit 35-of-67 (52%) overall and 9-of-22 (40%) from three, generating 19 assists and scoring consistently in the paint (52 points in the paint). Newcastle shot 32-of-75 (42%) and 10-of-31 (32%) from three, but stayed in the game through aggressive free-throw pressure (24-of-28, 85%) and a low turnover count (9).

Patrick Robinson was Cheshire’s leading scorer with 29 points, supported by Michael Diggins (17) and Frankie Policelli (16). LaQuincy Rideau orchestrated the offence with 9 assists, giving Cheshire consistent creation even as Newcastle’s defensive pressure increased late.

For Newcastle, Ray’sean Taylor led the comeback attempt with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Cole Long added 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Terrell Burden Jr contributed 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. The Eagles won the fourth quarter 34–23, but could not fully erase the damage from the opening half.

Box Score & Splits

• Final: Cheshire Phoenix 101–98 Newcastle Eagles
• By period: Q1 26–17, Q2 28–23, Q3 24–24, Q4 23–34

• Leaders – Cheshire:

• Patrick Robinson: 29 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST

• Michael Diggins: 17 PTS, 4 REB

• Frankie Policelli: 16 PTS, 7 REB

• Leaders – Newcastle:

• Ray’sean Taylor: 22 PTS, 8 REB, 3 AST

• Cole Long: 16 PTS, 9 REB

• Terrell Burden Jr: 14 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST