Newcastle Eagles' drive towards a clean sweep of BBL titles this season continued with a 115-97 play-off semi-final win over Guildford. American forward Charles Smith hit five three-pointers in his 40 points, 23 of which came in the third quarter.
Despite leading by just two points at half-time, the Eagles scorched the Heat with a 37-22 run in the third.
Guildford's American guard Brian Dux at least offered the Heat some solace, leading all scorers with 41 points.
In the other semi-final, the Scottish Rocks face Sheffield Sharks, who have beaten them four times this season.
The Rocks finished second in the league and are looking to give coach Steve Swanson a winning send-off for his new job next season at Idaho State University.
The shooting of Julius Joseph, a Commonwealth Games bronze medal-winner with England, will be crucial.
Their captain, Rob Yanders, won the play-offs with semi-final opponents Sheffield in 2004.
"Sheffield had a lot to do with us not winning the league; they spoiled a championship-winning season," Yanders told the Sheffield Star. "They are a good team but we can beat them.
"Sheffield are standing in the way of some silverware so that's all I'm interested in."
MMIX
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