Match report: Esh Group Eagles Newcastle 104 DBL Sharks Sheffield 68

Deondre Parks top scored with 27 points, while Scott Martin was on fire from downtown, netting five triples in a 23-point haul with Rahmon Fletcher dishing out 13 assists to go with his 17 points.

The Eagles stated their intentions in the early goings and racked up 31 points in the opening period against an under-manned Sharks side.

However, the visitors rallied to close to within four early in the second having started with a 7-0 run.

Newcastle would break clear again and a strong finish to the half saw them take a commanding 16-point cushion into the break.

The lead continued to grow in the third with Newcastle keeping their foot on the gas and the gap would pass 30 points in the closing stages.

Malcolm Riley led the Sharks with 18 points, but they were unable to follow up last weekend’s road win in Surrey and now have a 5-6 record in the BBL Championship.

Heading into the game the Sharks were reeling from the blow of losing Tony Wroblicky to injury.

Worblicky suffered a broken hand in the win at Surrey Scorchers last week and underwent immediate surgery.

Injuries have reached unprecedented levels for the Sharks with six players in the stands, including George Brownell, Jordin Davis and Kyle Odister.

The Sharks have moved to ease the crisis by inviting back former fan favourite Olu Babaloa.

The forward spent five seasons with the Sharks and remained local. He also stayed in good shape so will add much-needed strength to the ranks.

Coach Atiba Lyons said: “It’s been a rollercoaster with injuries so far and Tony’s injury is a major blow.

“But he is well looked after and should be back by the end of the year.

“Olu has been here before. He knows what to do and we are lucky he is on our doorstep to help us through.

“We’re pretty tough in the face of adversity.”