The SLB Play-Off Final is set after two enthralling Semi-Final ties that kept everyone on the edge of their seat.

Newcastle Eagles dethrone the Championship-winning Lions

Newcastle Eagles defied the odds with just eight available players to overcome the SLB Championship winners, London Lions, over two legs and head to the O2 Arena next Sunday.

The Eagles mustered enough strength to beat London 154-146 on aggregate.

With their backs against the wall, and several players out injured, the Eagles mustered a performance worthy of lifting any trophy by beating the Lions 77-71 at the CopperBox in the first leg.

Newcastle coach Marc Steutel could only rely on eight players for the opening tie in the capital but those players became heroes on this night, trailing for the majority of the first half, their heads never dropped – the game plan, minute-by-minute, play-by-play implemented consistently.

The Eagles patiently waited and got their rewards, deep into the third quarter, taking the lead, which they never let go of. It peaked at nine points in the fourth before settling at six heading to Tyneside.

Mike Okauru was sublime, leading Newcastle with 25 points, five boards, and four assists, helped by 13 from Seneca Knight.

Given their obvious advantage, London’s strategy was to play up-tempo, transition basketball. However, they failed to deliver in their final home game, going 45% from the floor and 3/20 from three-point land.

Tyler Peterson had 18 points on 75% shooting, but it was an off-night for the Championship victors. Thankfully, the Lions had another chance, 72 hours later.

However, when the second leg began at the Vertu Motors Arena on Sunday, Newcastle was up to the challenge, maintaining its advantage despite London’s pressure.

There was a nervous fourth quarter wait for the Newcastle fans as a 19-9 start from the Lions made it a contest. But with hearts so typical of Britain’s most successful men’s top-flight side, they withstood the roar to come away with a narrow 77-75 success.

Christian James led the way with 21 points, 11 of those coming from the free throw line. Trey Pulliam added 14, but also dished 12 assists and six rebounds.

Jaiden Delaire finished with 15 points for London.

Leicester Riders use home advantage to punch ticket to The 02

Leicester Riders responded emphatically from their first-leg deficit to beat the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks over two legs and reach the SLB Play-Off Final.

Trailing 85-75 after the first leg, the Riders needed overtime in the following encounter to seal the deal but came away with a 172-162 aggregate win.

A masterful first-half showing ultimately lifted the Sharks to an 85-75 first-leg win over the Riders at the Canon Medical Arena on Friday.

Home court was protected, but Sheffield needed to win on the road at the Mattoli Arena, where they have won once in the Championship this season.

Leading 26-21 after the first quarter, the Sharks extended their advantage in the second to take a 46-32 cushion at the break.

It was enough to seal the win, as Leicester were unable to find their way back in a game in which they were also short-handed. The long season starts to really take its toll, and the strongest and most determined to win really shine.

Rickey McGill was his explosive, exciting usual, going for 32 points to lead all scorers for the Sharks. Jaylin Hunter paced Leicester with 16.  

Returning to the Mattoli Arena for the second leg on Sunday, Leicester quickly levelled the scores after the first period, leading 27-17. A turnaround jumper from Zach Jackson handed the hosts a 31-20 lead on the tie and by a single point on aggregate.

What followed was a relentless back-and-forth between the two teams. With 2.7 seconds left, McGill tied the game on aggregate with a pair from the foul line to force overtime.

But what followed was a nightmare for Sheffield and a dream for Leicester, as they held their Yorkshire counterparts to just four points in the extra session to seal a 97-77 win, coming back from a 20-point deficit in the first leg.

Hunter was again superb, amassing 24 points for Leicester with four steals. Jacob Groves had 14 for Sheffield.