ALEX Roberts, who finished without a point in the National Trophy win, set a new season-high besting his 20-point effort against Manchester Magic on the opening day of the season, writes Allen Gunn.

“I needed a game like that,” said Roberts who rebounded from a scoreless game albeit in a win against Northumbria in the National Trophy.

The 17-year-old set a new season-high in the process besting his 20-point effort against Manchester Magic on the opening day of the season.

He added, “The win showed a lot of character and it has definitely released a big weight off everyone’s shoulders.”

The Bury-based basketball club trailed 61-51 with 5:33 remaining in the third quarter before an 8-0 run, which spanned nearly three minutes, made it a one possession game.

The Warriors (7-4, NBL1 0-2) held onto a narrow lead until a Kyle Carey field goal edged Lancashire ahead 73-72 four minutes into the final quarter. It was the Spinners’ first lead since the score was 15-14.

Connor Murtagh added 17 points whilst Nick George, who was coming off a season-high in scoring against Northumbria, had 14 but also seven steals and five assists.

Despite shooting a lower percentage from the field (48%-46%) and committing 18 turnovers, Lancashire forced 20 – for 16 points – and grabbed 12 offensive rebounds.

There were 13 lead changes and five ties in a nip and tuck opening quarter. Though Westminster closed the final 1:30 scoring five-straight points to lead 24-19.

Back-to-back three-pointers by F Damptey allowed the Warriors to extend their advantage to seven whilst Lancashire settled for three two-point baskets. Westminster was four-for-five from three over the first five minutes of the second quarter.

The Spinners outscored their opponent 47-28 in the second half.

M Martin and J Joseph each scored 21 points in the loss.