BASKETBALL: THE Under-18s got off to a storming start against their opponents by racing into a 18-9 lead on the back of three three-pointers, two by Phil Stainton and one by Aaron Williams.

Then unforced errors led to a slump and Blue Devils were outscored 20-4 in the last four minutes of the quarter to finish five points down.

This continued during the second quarter with Blue Devils only able to manage 10 points to their opponents 17 points to go in at half time 43-32 down.

A change of defensive tactics clawed the Blue Devils back into the game and fast break scores by Williams, Luke Montgomery, Omari Thomas and two more three’s from Stainton sent the Blue Devils into the fourth quarter two points up 61-59.

Blue Devils led 69-67 past the halfway mark in the final quarter, and then unforced errors returned and Liverpool’s pounding of the offensive boards, especially by Galloway who hit eight points, in the last four minutes saw them through.

The next game is on Sunday, December 7, away to Wirral, tip off 2pm.

Scorers: Phil Stainton 24; Aaron Williams 17; Luke Montgomery 9; Josh Lomax 8.