GLASGOW ROCKS were tonight crushed by Newcastle Eagles for the fourth time this season as the BBL leaders cruised to a 96-67 win on Tyneside.

With new signing Reggie Middleton unused, the defeat dropped the Rocks down to ninth in the table ahead of Sunday's trip to fellow strugglers Durham Wildcats.

Kieron Achara had 20 points and 11 rebounds for Glasgow who threatened an upset when they raced into an early 18-6 lead.

Newcastle fired off 14 straight points to hit back before the visitors clawed back to level at 40-40 early in the third period.

However, an 18-4 run took Eagles out of range, leaving the Rocks to try and pick up the pieces in Durham and avoid slumping into the bottom four.

"Last time we travelled to Durham we fell into a 26-point hole before half-time," said Rocks forward Tommy Freeman. "Getting off to a better start will be crucial.

"Durham is a tough place to play and they play a team game. We will need to be ready from the jump and be able to guard them."

Elsewhere London Lions coach Vince Macaulay has been fined after accusing referees of "blatant cheating" after his side's loss to Glasgow last week.

RESULTS

BBL. Newcastle Eagles 96 Glasgow Rocks 67, Leeds Force 53 Cheshire Phoenix 65, Surrey United 53 Bristol Flyers 65, Worcester Wolves 78 Sheffield Sharks 75