Booker nailed seven shots from downtown in the final quarter alone to help GMHBA Miners secure a 16-point win against Thunder in South East Australian Basketball League action.

And Thunder thought it had him covered to three-quarter-time, especially after what happened last time Booker rocked up in Ulverstone.

The Advocate, in Thunder territory, reported during the week that North-West coach Phil Thomas was still having sleepless nights from when the American produced a clutch three-pointer – fading away, a defender’s hand in his face – to polish off a miraculous Miners comeback and one-point win.

This latest Booker episode is likely to keep Thomas up for another year.

Play had been tight. The Miners were leading by two points going into the fourth quarter. They served up 35 points in the final term. Booker finished with 36 points for the match.

Miners coach Eric Hayes said his whole team was playing well – Everard Bartlett was getting the ball well and good offensive play, moving the ball around, was setting Booker up nicely.

“At one point Roy caught on fire and once he was into a nice rhythm that was it,” Hayes said.

“It was a very close game ... we would kinda make a run, then they would make a run.

“We played fantastic together. It wasn’t like Roy got the ball and came down the floor alone every time.”

The Miners’ defence was ruthless, in contrast to their Friday night loss to Hobart. Late in the game, they stopped Thunder runs six times in a row, and the whole team lifted.

All Miners got a score on the board in the opening half.

Miner tall Chris Smith stepped his game up a notch and made dunks in both legs of the Tasmanian road trip.

It is a rare play for Smith, in what Hayes said was testament to his increased fitness, health and athleticism this season.

American Kodi Augustus (21 points, eight rebounds), Bartlett (10 points, seven assists), Anthony Fisher (11 points) were the Miners’ other key scoring avenues against Thunder, while co-captain Kris Blicavs (11 points) came off the bench and hit some important baskets at important times.

Tasmanian road trips are traditionally tough and, with Hobart and North-West  Tasmania in strong form, Hayes was pleased to leave the Apple Isle with one win.

SEABL competition breaks for the long weekend, allowing the Miners a chance to rest injury niggles, before facing long-time nemesis Bendigo in Bendigo.

melanie.whelan@fairfaxmedia.com.au