Even when they found themselves 47 points to the good in the context of the tie at half-time, they didn’t relax as much as you might have expected.

Every player clearly desperate to make the most of their opportunity in an intense battle for court-time.

Andy Thomson impressed with a near double-double of 19 points and eight rebounds while Paul Gause had backcourt partner Chapman laughing in appreciation when the diminutive point guard capped another super showing of 15 points and eight assists by throwing down a dunk.

Meanwhile, the bench players also took their opportunity to impress in the closing stages with the added bonus of Ross Wilson, Joel Madourie and Lamar Morrison all on the score sheet.

The Eagles could, of course, be forgiven for thinking a potential second piece of silverware was now just 40 minutes away. But, it appears they are likely to have to play a two-legged format against Plymouth Raiders – the team they beat at the NIA in Birmingham last month to lift the BBL Cup.

While there may yet be a slim chance of the decision not to host a one-off event being reversed, it would appear none of that will worry a team oozing class – and no doubt confident of securing the second step of a possible clean sweep, no matter what the format.

NEWCASTLE: Chapman 31, Thomson 18, Gause 15

SHEFFIELD: Tuck 28, Babalola 19 ,Dobbins 17