Caledonia Gladiators crash out of play-off quarter-finals

Caledonia Gladiators crashed out of the British Basketball League play-off quarter-finals with a 2-0 loss to Newcastle Eagles.

The English side led from start to finish in the second leg, winning 94-71, to end Gladiators’ hopes of forcing a decisive third game, and ending their season prematurely on Friday night.

Many had Gladiators as favourites, having achieved an impressive third-placed finish, but sixth-placed Eagles soared instead, winning the first leg 97-78 in East Kilbride last week.

That set up a semi-final against London Lions for the North East side.

Eagles boasted 10 scorers, including four who hit double figures, against a side missing hot-shot Quade Green due to an ankle injury.

It got worse for Gladiators, with Michael Bothwell picking up three fouls in as many minutes, with Eagles already on their way towards a 12-4 lead.

Rickey McGill was their star player, scoring 22 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Patrick Whelan top-scored for Gladiators with 18 points, five rebounds and three assists.

Josh Ward-Hibbert climbed off the bench for Eagles to bag 16 points, eight rebounds, two steals and a couple of blocks, while Tajh Green got 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Jordan Johnson bagged 12 points from the stripe against his former side.

Gladiators’ best spell was towards the end of the opening quarter, as Gareth Murray’s side moved to within three points of Eagles.

However, the hosts led 51-36 at half-time, and though Gladiators edged the third quarter, it was game over by that point, and Newcastle closed out the fourth period 25-15.

It remains a successful season for Gladiators, however, with a Euro adventure ending unluckily, while third place is their highest BBL finish since 2017.

Meanwhile,