MANCHESTER Giants had a tough night in the north east, going down 108-85 to the Newcastle Eagles.
It was always going to be tough taking on the top side in the British Basketball League.
Ingus Bankevics hit 22 points and Callum Jones had a 20-point, 15 rebound double-double, while Stefan Gill hit 17.
But the Eagles got the better of the contest, despite the visitors getting to within five points of their hosts late in the third quarter.
The Eagles took the first quarter 27-11 and led 52-41 at half-time.
The Giants had a good third quarter, taking it 25-22 but the home side pulled away with a 34-19 fourth period.
They host Leicester Riders at the Trafford Powerleague Sportsdome on Sunday.
The Riders entertain London Lions on Saturday as they aim to reach a third BBL Cup Final in four years, before attention turns to the Giants on Sunday.
The Manchester side will be hoping the Lions have a cup hangover from the game.
But while Riders have been in fine form, losing just one of their 11 games so far this season, the Giants are enduring one of their toughest runs.
After a solid start, Yorick Wiliams’ side have won just one of their last 12, losing the last five in a row.
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