Newcastle Eagles' European Journey Concludes in Bratislava

The Newcastle Eagles' ambitious quest for European success came to an end in the final of the European North Basketball League (ENBL) held in Bratislava. Despite a valiant effort, the Eagles were defeated 95-82 by the Romanian powerhouse, CSO Voluntari.

A Battle of Titans

The game was a nail-biter from the start, with both teams locked at 46-46 by halftime. The third period saw the Eagles and CSO Voluntari neck and neck at 58-58, but the Romanians surged ahead in the final quarter, clinching the victory and improving upon their last year's performance.

Standout Performances

Mike Okauru led the scoring for the Eagles with an impressive 20 points, supported by Trey Pulliam with 14 and Seneca Knight adding 12. Despite their efforts, the Eagles couldn't overcome the strong finish by CSO Voluntari.

Reflections from the Coach

Head coach Marc Steutel expressed pride in his team's journey, stating, "I'm proud of the group throughout this campaign. We didn't set out as favourites, but we kept proving we could overcome challenges. I still think we've punched significantly above our weight and hopefully we've inspired some future generations of Eagles fans."

Looking Ahead

This season has been a testament to the Eagles' resilience and skill. While the European trophy eluded them, their performance has set a high benchmark for future campaigns. The Eagles will undoubtedly be back, stronger and more determined to conquer the European stage.

For more updates on the Newcastle Eagles and their journey, stay tuned to our sports coverage.