The Raiders had to win in the East Midlands to keep their hopes alive but 30 points from Bradd Wierzbicki saw the hosts clinch a 96-72 triumph.

Cameron Rundles and Drew Sullivan poured in 19 points apiece for the Riders, who had made the match almost safe by half time.

A 9-2 burst at the end of the opening period made it 30-20 and they steadily built on that advantage to hold a commanding 54-32 lead at the interval.

By the end of the third quarter they were 76-46 ahead and although Plymouth did battle back towards the end, it was all too late to save them from defeat.

The result means Newcastle claim their third piece of silverware in the campaign, while it is their fifth regular season title.