Newcastle Eagles soar into BBL play-off final

May 2 2009 By Mark Douglas at the NIA, Birmingham

NEWCASTLE Eagles soared into the BBL play-off final with a dominant display against the Plymouth Raiders, booking their place in tomorrow's showpiece with a 93-71 win.

Trey Moore and Andrew Bridge were outstanding as Fab Flournoy's side blew the Raiders apart after a shakey start.

Moore notched 25 points but he was solidly backed up by Reggie Jackson (16) and Charles Smith, who accounted for 14 of the Eagles winning total.

The win came as a relief for Flournoy, who's team wiped out memories of their semi-final disappointment last season.

They started slowly, missing some routine shots and coming off second best in match-ups all over the court, but still managed to edge the first quarter 17-16.

An incredible second quarter saw the Eagles blow the Raiders away 29-14 and the result was never in doubt after that.

The only slight concern was a late ankle injury to Jackson, although he is expected to take part in the final against the winners of the second semi-final between Everton Tigers and Leicester Riders.