THE first half of the season ended with a narrow defeat for the Jets at the MetroRadio Arena last Friday.

Despite Jaz Cowan leading the BBL Championship scoring tables, Billy Singleton's men have so far failed to find their form this season.

Cowan top-scored against the Eagles, sharing the game-points accolade with Newcastle's Shawan Robinson, but the hosts had the edge.

Newcastle built a substantial 31-19 first period lead which Chester then worked on eating into.

Jets could do little to break Newcastle down, however, until late in the second period when Richard Murphy netted two triples as Chester rattled off 12 consecutive points to make it 47-46 going into the half-time break.

Neither side could stamp their authority on the game after that as they went into the final quarter with four points between them at 71-67.

Jets quickly took control and led for the first time at 73-75. But Andrew Bridge scored nine points in the last four minutes as the Eagles won 89-81.

* Jets' next game is next Friday (January 5) at Milton Keynes Lions.