Glasgow Rocks 84 Newcastle Eagles 106: BBL Championship

Newcastle Eagles defeated Glasgow Rocks 106-84 in the first event staged at the new Emirates Arena in Glasgow.

Over 5,000 people attended the game, a Rocks franchise record, but a 21 point swing in the fourth quarter gave the Eagles the victory.

There were more than a few teething problems at the arena, which will host track cycling and badminton during the 2014 Commonwealth Games, highlighted by a power failure halfway through the second quarter.

The unscheduled break seemed to fluster the Rocks as they let slip a commanding 13 point lead in the final couple of minutes of the half to lead by just two at the break.

The tip-off was delayed for half an hour to accommodate for the large crowd pouring into the Rocks new home, and it was new signing, guard Donald Robinson, who christened the Emirates Arena with its first points thanks to a lay-up.

Charles Smith went down the other end and got nothing but net on a three pointer that signalled his intent. The big man, so often the curse of the Rocks, scored a game high 31 points. He was ably assisted by Kareem Maddox, who went 13-of-17 and tallied 29 points and 12 rebounds.

The first quarter was a back and forth encounter, with neither team being able to put their mark on the game. Team GB star Kieron Achara was dominant on both sides of the court, but too often seemed uninterested and lackadaisical. With interest from teams abroad and Achara signed on a short-term deal, it could well be another one and done stint at the Rocks for the Stirling man.

The Rocks guards, Harrison and Robinson, were the catalysts for a 14-4 run early in the second quarter. Both players showed poise under pressure to notch crucial baskets, with Harrison hitting a three pointer before the lights went out.

The Rocks were leading 32-23 at the time, and were able to stretch their lead to 13 before a frantic Eagles fight back in the final two minutes saw Glasgow lead 42-40 at the half-time interval.

The third quarter followed a similar path to the first half. Neither team was able to dominate and pull ahead. Smith and Maddox had too much time on the ball and were able to punish the Rocks, while Robinson and Harrison were keeping the home side close.

Harrison, coming off a season disrupted by injury and bereavement, showed the Rocks fans what they missed last year. The ex-UConn Huskie went 7-of-14 from the field (as did both Robinson and Achara), but the veteran hit five three-pointers and led the team with 23 points. Achara notched up 18 points, 14 rebounds and three sensational blocks, yet seemed to leave a great deal in the tank.

Going into the fourth quarter, the Eagles were up 66-65.

Unfortunately for the Rocks, it was a case of déjà vu all over again. So often last season, especially against the Eagles, Davis’ men threw games away with one bad quarter.

That is just what happened in the final stanza as the Rocks were outscored 40-19 over the final ten minutes.

Chapman, so well marshalled throughout the first three quarters, suddenly found room and kept punishing the poor Rocks defence. His precision passing and excellent decision making tore the Rocks apart and he also scored 10 of his 20 points in the final quarter.

Unexpectedly, what was a close game became a thoroughly convincing victory for the Eagles as they steam-rolled the Rocks in the final quarter and sent a very loud signal to the rest of the BBL; the Eagles are still flying.