The Hunters, with a 11-8 win-loss record, are assured of reaching the top six but are resigned to finishing no higher than fourth.

Trailing 80-63 with five minutes and 30 seconds remaining against Manly, the Hunters pulled within 88-84 with 20 seconds to go but left their run too late.

Newcastle were behind 25-14 at quarter-time and 43-35 at the main break, then the Sea Eagles (16-3) stretched their wings with a 33-25 third term to take a 76-60 advantage into the final quarter.

The Hunters' late surge gave coach Darren Nichols heart heading into their last game of the regular season against Norths at Broadmeadow next Saturday.

"We let them get out to an early head-start on us, but the way we finished, the Hunters earned some respect, and we shouldn't be taken lightly by anyone heading into the play-offs," Nichols said.

Nick Freer (27 points, seven rebounds) and Marcus Vanderheide (17 points, 14 rebounds) again led the way for the Hunters, and guards Adoc Makwai and Cameron Springall contributed 10 points each.

Maitland (12-6) remained third with a comfortable 103-79 victory over Norths at North Sydney on Saturday night.

Paced by Scott McGregor (23 points, nine rebounds) and Kenneth Artist (19 points, six rebounds), the Mustangs led 54-45 at half-time then outscored the Bears 30-6 in the third period.

The Hunters women kept their play-off hopes alive with a 72-62 victory over third-placed Manly on Saturday.

Newcastle trailed 30-25 at half-time, rallied to lead 60-59 with less than 2:30 remaining, then closed out the game on a 12-3 run to improve their record to 6-9.

Susi Walmsley (17 points), Katie Ebzery (14), Ilanah Forrest and Kelsey Moss (both 11) and Dimity Stewart (10) starred for Newcastle, who end the regular season at home on Saturday against winless Norths.