Eagles sign off in style

Apr 30 2007 By Paul Gilder, The Journal

He has spent the last 12 months carrying the weight of expectation that follows a season of unprecedented success, but all Fabulous Flournoy was carrying last night was British basketball's most-prized silverware.

As he clutched the BBL Play-off Trophy while conducting countless interviews, it was tempting to suggest that the prize tucked beneath his right arm was as heavy as the burden that has troubled him this term. But the overjoyed American would have disagreed.

When Newcastle beat the Scottish Rocks in the domestic game's 2006 showpiece, it clinched the fourth title that completed an historic clean sweep. This time out, the prize was the club's first and last. Yet it was no less special.

"It has been a long season with lots of ups and downs but that's the monster we created," explained the victorious playcaller, whose side overcame the Glaswegian franchise with an MVP performance from Olu Babalola.

"Two years ago we won two trophies. Last year we won all four and people have had expectations that perhaps are not realistic. The anticipation was unbelieveable and when we let the Trophy slip and then the league, it looked bad.

"This was our last stand, our final chance and we got there. It feels fantastic."

A champagne smell coloured the air as the homecourt players enjoyed the moment and given all that has been endured during a season in which title after title has been relinquished, none could begrudge them their moment.

"I've always told the guys that if they give me everything during the eight or nine months of the season, they will appreciate their off-season so much more," said Flournoy. "It's always better when you go off with some silverware and people are looking at you as a champion."

That the franchise's latest honour has been won without the injured TJ Walker makes it even more commendable.

And the fact that a victorious course was plotted without Jeremy Hyatt for almost half of last night's fixture shows the Eagles have spirit and strength in abundance.

Newcastle have won British basketball's main title for three years in succession. Just two other clubs have managed such a feat. The last time was 12 years ago. The Rocks were aiming to avenge a 15-point defeat in last year's final and Thorsten Liebenath's men were dominant during an opening in which their determination was obvious and their scoring regular.

Newcastle had struggled to keep in touch but a breathtaking scoring sequence in which Flournoy's team claimed 17 of 19 points swung the game irrevocably in their favour. Back came the Rocks in the second, although the Eagles kept their noses in front in what had developed into an absorbing encounter thanks to Babalola's inspired performance. Liebenath's team might be the BBL's best three-point shooters, but it was Babalola who was excelling from distance. The 17 points he had posted at the interval included four threes and it was the Londoner's accurate conversions that gave his side the edge and a 47-44 half-time lead.

If Babalola's long-range shooting was vital to his side's second-period superiority, it was Shawan Robinson's composure from close in that extended the advantage in the third. Six of his nine points came from the line, although he landed a three-pointer as he proved Babalola was not alone in his penchant for the spectacular.

Since taking the lead in the first, Newcastle had not encountered serious trouble and despite the injured Hyatt's premature departure, the closing quarter was negotiated in a routine fashion.

As the buzzer sounded, celebrations unbridled began. Having recorded 23 points in his finest game in an Eagles vest, Babalola was the clear MVP and his personal award was received with almost as much relish as the main prize. But this was not an occasion about individuals.

This was a weekend when a team came together, when a team that has been hurting all season took out their angst on unfortunate opponents.

This season might not have been as successful as last for Newcastle, but the climax was just as thrilling and the mood just as triumphant as the curtain came down.

Top Scorers
Newcastle Eagles: Babalola 23, Dorsey 18, Bridge 17, Robinson 16.
Scottish Rocks: Yanders 26, Davis 16, Hampton 16, Wohlers 10.