Seeing a live basketball game has been on my wish list since I missed watching the Raptors in Canada last postseason. Luckily, the opportunity to watch top-of-the-league Newcastle Eagles came up. Even better, the Eagles play at Sport Central on Northumbria's City Centre campus.
The Eagles recently won the domestic cup, beating Glasgow Rocks in Birmingham. With this success, the BBC cameras were in attendance to broadcast the game live on the BBC red button.
Sport Central was packed for the game. The Eagles were greeted back with the trophy with enormous support from the home crowd.
On the court, things didn't go as planned as the Eagles struggled to get a clear points lead. Opponents Worcester Wolves defended well, made key shots throughout the game and all but sealed the win when they took an 18-point lead late on. The Eagles led a late onslaught, but couldn't quite catch up to the Wolves.
The time out and half time entertainment was interactive for families, with local sports teams from the area which was fantastic to see. The atmosphere was great at Sport Central. The Eagles have only lost two league games all season and still top the table alongside Leicester Riders (who they play in April!)
A big applause for the Eagles who gave it everything to try and clinch a late win, but fell to a 103 - 112 defeat. Everything to play for over the coming months! A fantastic evening and a great experience, I will be there in the fixture against Leicester, in what looks like a two horse race for the championship.
On the topic of basketball and sport, please come and show your support for the upcoming Stan Calvert events at Sport Central, kicking off on February 5th at 5pm.
