BURY Blue Devils coach Mike Nichols praised his side’s determination and focus as the MABL Championship team ground out a crucial home victory over Warrington.

The fourth-placed Devils looked to be heading for defeat but a late rally in overtime saw them secure a 76-71 victory against their fifth-placed rivals.

“Defence, intensity and unity is key for our team to play well,” said Nichols.

“We refocused at the right time and played with a determination we need in all games.”

Bury started off impressively with fit-again Chris Stainton making an immediate impact scoring eight consecutive points while holding the visitors to only two.

Veteran Stu Jackson added to the total but allowed a three by Warrington.

Kin Lin Ming hit a three-pointer then a tough jump shot and Bart Szareko added further baskets as the Devils led 17-12 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was dominated by Bury’s big men Jackson and Ergoli Togo as the two teams traded baskets. Jason Knowles controlled the tempo as Bury led 31-25 at half time.

With Szareko and Marshall hitting the target, and Togo and Nichols also contributing, Bury took a 10-point advantage.

However, a couple of poor decisions by Bury allowed Warrington to go on a 9-0 run to end the third quarter 42-41 up.

More easy baskets for the visitors followed early in the fourth quarter as Bury again failed to hit the target and Warrington led by 15 points with five minutes remaining.

Coach Nichols led by example gaining a steal and taking a charge. The team followed suit going on a 15-0 run to tie the game at 60 with a minute remaining.

Warrington still had gas in the tank and hit a big three only for Stainton to come back with one of his own. The visitors hit a two but again Stainton stepped up with another three to put Bury up by one with four seconds remaining.

Warrington had chances to win it with two late free throws on a foul but Nichols put the game out of reach hitting two free throws for a 76-71 win

The under-18s were always struggling to compete against a motivated Stockport Falcons, finally going down 70-50.

The Devils were 10-2 down after just three minutes and lost the first quarter 23-10.

Henry Powell and Sulaiman Qadeer combined for 10 points as Bury rallied in the second quarter but a 6-0 run by Stockport saw them lead 39-24 at half time.

Stockport scored 16 points to the home team’s six in the third period, with only Cameron Savage and Jack Hargreaves on the scoresheet.

But the Devils showed character with Sam Nolan Massey hitting six points and both Powell and Qadeer four apiece as Bury won the final period 20-15.