FAB Flournoy reckons there will be a few more twists and turns in the BBL’s closest ever title race, but his resolute Newcastle Eagles ensured it was a stress-free Friday at Sport Central.

Aside from a brief scare at the end of the third quarter, the Eagles were good value for a 99-82 victory over the MK Lions that should banish memories of another midweek defeat in Merseyside.

That the Eagles win was so comprehensive is no mean feat. Led by the impressive Demarius Bolds, who racked up a double-double on his way to a personal points haul of 29, the Lions provided a stubborn challenge without causing too many palpitations for an animated home crowd.

That was largely down to another supremely accomplished effort by the Eagles key men, with Trey Moore, Reggie Jackson and Charles Smith all weighing in with heavyweight performances to tame the Lions.

That trio will surely be pivotal as the season reaches its frantic conclusion and they once again contributed the majority of the points as the Eagles proved too fluid and free-flowing for their opponents.

But credit, too, should go to Kadiri Richard as he dominated the paint – racking up 14 rebounds in one of his best performances in a black and white vest.

With the Mersey Tigers responding to their own midweek setback with a narrow win over Guildford Heat, it was a win that the Eagles desperately needed as they look to maintain the pressure on Tony Garbelotto’s men. Both teams have punishing schedules but hopefully for Fab Flournoy, this win won’t have taken too much out of his team as they head for Guildford on Sunday.

The Lions were put straight on to the back foot by the Eagles’ blistering early intensity.