Manchester Basketball split its games on a five-game Championship slate in the SLB, as the Caledonia Gladiators continued to put the pressure on the league-leading B. Braun Sheffield Hatters.

However, as we now head into the Easter break, the Hatters still lead the Championship, despite not playing this weekend.

Newcastle Eagles 64-61 Manchester Basketball

In front of 847 fans, the Newcastle Eagles blessed the show court for the first time, as they edged Manchester Basketball 64-61 at the Vertu Motors Arena.

Shanique Lucas iced the game in the dying seconds with a lay-up in a game that the Eagles nearly lost, having squandered a 15-point cushion with 1:16 remaining as Jora Davis scored to give the visitors a 61-59 lead.

But Newcastle held Manchester scoreless in that final stretch, recovering superbly to score a priceless victory in front of a bumper crowd.

The recently minted Molten Player of the Month for March, Andrea Daley, paced the Eagles with 21 points and 15 rebounds, with Lucas chipping in with 15. Frannie Hottinger had 21 points and 10 rebounds for Manchester.

Cardiff Met Archers 60-95 Manchester Basketball

Manchester Basketball rebounded almost immediately, as they overcame the Cardiff Met Archers 95-60 at the Archers Arena, nearly 48 hours later.

A blistering first half did the damage, as Manchester were swift and decisive in their finishing, leading 55-28, which killed the game, and the winners shot an impressive 56% from the floor.

Irene Oboavwoduo amassed 23 points, six rebounds and four assists, supported by Frannie Hottinger’s 20 points and six boards.

Sheridan Flauger led the Archers with a game-high 24 points.

Leicester Riders 64-98 Caledonia Gladiators

Caledonia Gladiators stayed hot on the heels of the Championship-leading B. Braun Sheffield Hatters by beating the Leicester Riders 98-64 at Loughborough University.

The visitors led from the start, dominating the game early and never letting the Riders get a sniff, leading by as many as 42 points and going 55% from the field in a convincing display.

Brynn Masikewich exploded for 33 points on 13/18 shooting and eight rebounds for the victors. Katie Januszewska led Leicester with 21.

Nottingham Wildcats 63-71 Oaklands Wolves

Oaklands Wolves fought back from a disastrous first quarter to beat the Nottingham Wildcats 71-63 at the Wildcats Arena.

Nottingham, though, got off to a flyer, leading 24-10 after the first quarter and looking extremely good value for their lead, until the Wolves hit back and quickly turned the game back in their favour.

And in the fourth quarter, Oaklands held the hosts to just nine points while scoring 17 themselves to score the win.

Shanice Beckford-Norton led the Wolves with 19 points. Kalaya Buggs spearheaded the Wildcats with 18 points and seven rebounds.

Essex Rebels 86-66 London Lions

Essex Rebels hit 11 three-pointers as they dismissed the London Lions 86-66 at the Essex Sports Arena.

Quinesha Lockett led the way for the Rebels with 18 points, going 2/6 from beyond the arc in what was a comfortable win for the hosts, against a Lions side who were trying to match Essex with long shots, but ended up going 3/11 from deep.

Mya Proctor had 18 to lead London.