By Rob Dugdale BBC Sport in Newcastle

Flournoy has just returned from the Commonwealth Games

The Eagles were leading 64-49 when Julius Joseph and Jean Francois hit three threes in a minute to cut the lead to just six points.

Newcastle coach Fab Flournoy led his team's scoring with 17 points and hit a pair of free throws to seal the win.

The Eagles now need just two wins from four games to win the league - their third trophy of the season so far.

After a tight first 10 minutes, the Eagles scorched the Rocks with a 14-0 run in the second quarter to lead 37-25 at half-time.

They maintained that lead through the third quarter and seemed set for an easy win.

But the Rocks sprang into life to produce a finish that had the Metro Arena crowd at their nerves' end.

Rob Yanders hit 17 points to lead the Rocks and TJ Walker also had 17 for the Eagles.

The seven-point win gives the season's head-to-head to Newcastle by just four points, meaning they can win the BBL title in the next seven days.

In other action, London Towers and Guildford Heat strengthened their positions with 88-85 and 68-65 wins over Milton Keynes Lions and Chester Jets respectively.