MARTIN Roberts warmed up for a massive Reunion Night on Saturday when he guided the Newcastle Hunters to a thrilling 71-69 win over Hornsby in the Waratah Basketball League.
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The youngster from Dubbo nailed a crucial three-pointer inside the last minute of the match for the Hunters to lead by two, before Hornby’s Ben Arkell stepped up to make two free-throws and draw level.
Hunters captain Josh Morgan had the ball in his hands as the clock ticked down to the last five seconds of the match when he calmly made a jump shot to win it for the visitors.
Former NBL guard Morgan iced the win but it was young gun Roberts that hit a team-high 20 points to lift the Hunters to 4-9 for the season and break a three-game losing streak.
The Hunters men are still last on the ladder but are only two wins out of the top six with seven games remaining in the season.
Roberts was well supported by Ben Hawkesley who had his best game of the season with 16 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocked shots.
In a beaten side former NBL player Ben Arkell had 26 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block.
The trip to Hornsby’s Brickpit was not as joyous for the high-flying Hunters women who suffered a crushing 80-53 defeat but remain fifth on the ladder with seven wins and five losses.
Teenage sensation Jasmine Forcadilla was the only shining light for the Hunters with 12 points and four rebounds.
Coach Peter Astley was hoping to cement a spot in the play-offs with a win over the Spiders but will now turn his attention to the game against fourth-placed Penrith this Saturday night.
The women kick-start Reunion Night at 5pm and the men will be hoping to keep their slim finals hopes alive against the Panthers from 7.15pm.