Newcastle Eagles Fall Short in European Fina
[April 11, 2025 | By [Your Name]]
The Newcastle Eagles’ dream of European glory came to an end last night as they fell short in a tightly contested final, losing 78–71 to Valencia Basket in the European Basketball Championship showdown.
Despite a spirited performance and a strong start, the Eagles struggled to maintain momentum in the second half as Valencia’s depth and experience began to shine through. Justin Gordon led the Eagles with 22 points, while Darius Defoe added 12 points and 7 rebounds in what may be his final European appearance.
“We gave it everything,” said Eagles head coach Marc Steutel after the game. “This team has come a long way and showed that we can compete on the biggest stage. It’s disappointing, but I’m proud of the fight we showed.”
The loss marks the end of a historic European run for Newcastle, who became the first British team in over a decade to reach the final of a major European club competition.
The Tyneside faithful were in full voice throughout the evening, with hundreds making the journey to Spain to support their side. While the result wasn’t what they hoped for, the Eagles’ European campaign has undoubtedly raised the profile of British basketball and inspired a new generation of fans.
Next up for Newcastle: a return to domestic action as they prepare for the BBL playoffs.
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