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After a fourth quarter collapse and two blowout defeats to start the season, Middletown High School desperately needed a spark.

A flicker in the form of sophomore guard Allen Roberts — getting a surprise first-ever start — ignited the Middies to a 77-73 victory over Colerain Wednesday night at Wade E. Miller Gym.

"I just try to play my role," said Roberts, who led the Middies with 20 points. "I think what I have is an all-around game."

Roberts — who also had five rebounds, three assists and three steals — didn't play a perfect game, though.

In fact, he committed two of his game-high seven turnovers in the final two minutes, allowing Colerain to cut what was once a double-digit lead to 74-73 with just 14 seconds left.

But Roberts saved his best moments for last.

After missing the second of two free throws, he stole Colerain's outlet pass, drew the foul and calmly knocked down two foul shots to put the game away.

"I'm used to that (pressure), because I had to make two free throws once to win a game in the fifth grade," Roberts said.

Leading Colerain's charge in the second half was Eugene Clifford, considered the No. 1 football recruit in Ohio.

Clifford — a defensive back who has committed to Ohio State — led all scorers with 27 points.

For Middletown (1-3, 1-1 Greater Miami Conference), Tony Peters also had 20 points, while Bill Edwards Jr. scored 18 and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Though Middletown's win came over a Colerain (1-2, 0-2) team that finished winless in the GMC last season, it snapped what had been a disappointing 0-3 start for a team with aspirations of challenging for the league title.

"We're so freaking young," said Middies coach Bob Ronai, whose team got to the free-throw line 39 times, but also committed 29 turnovers. "We made some mistakes, but the kids came out and played with a lot of pride.

"We had some bend, but we didn't break."

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2837 or jtrotter@coxohio.com.