The Eagles had mathematically secured the championship on Wednesday after Leicester Riders beat Plymouth Raiders.

But the Tigers limited their opponents to making only 33 per cent of their field goal attempts as they moved a step further to securing a spot in this year's play-offs.

Myles Hesson led all scorers with 24 points plus nine rebounds and five steals for the Tigers, while Sam Cricelli recorded an impressive double-double of 18 points and 16 rebounds.

For the Eagles, Darius Defoe recorded a double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds and Paul Gause recorded 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and six steals before fouling out of the game.

Rocks rule

The victory leaves Mersey ninth in the standings, with Cheshire Jets currently occupying the eighth and final play-off spot following their 95-78 victory over MK Lions.

The lead repeatedly changed hands during a closely fought opening before the Jets, who have a game in hand over the Tigers, opened up an 18 point gap to all-but seal the win in the third quarter.

Adam Brown led all scorers, recording a double-double of 25 points and 10 assists for Cheshire as well as pulling down seven rebounds and grabbing four steals.

Glasgow Rocks guaranteed themselves fifth spot in the night's final game with an 83-76 victory over One Health Sharks Sheffield.

Mychal Green led the Rocks' scorers with 18 points plus seven assists, while team-mate Andrew Wedemire claimed a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Mike Tuck led all scorers with 20 points and also grabbed 10 boards for Sheffield's, whose play-off spot was confirmed despite the defeat thanks to Cheshire's victory over Milton Keynes.