Charles Smith scored 25 points and Andrew Thomson scored the winning basket in the last second to earn the Tynesiders an 85-84 victory over the team who began the day as their nearest challengers for the title.

Richie Gordon recorded a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Wolves but then fouled out.

The west midlands side were leapfrogged into second place by the Plymouth Raiders, who downed the MK Lions 100-93 for their ninth successive victory.

Jeremy Bell poured in 28 points and Michael Ojo 23.

Mike Tuck (24) and Olu Babalola (20) led the Sheffield Sharks to a 79-73 win over the Durham Wildcats.