Robert Roberts knew it was showtime when he saw the packed house at Ridgeview, the big-time opponent that had come to town and the label of CIF State Basketball Championships.

He spent the next couple of hours proving it was showtime to everyone else.

Ridgeview beat North Hollywood-Harvard-Westlake 79-74 on Tuesday in the first round of the Division III state playoffs behind 36 points from Roberts, including 10 in a furious rally in the final two minutes.

"I live for these games," Roberts said. "I love 'em."

Harvard-Westlake (25-6) led 71-65 with 1:30 to play when Ridgeview (26-5) pounced. Kaylin Evans hit two free throws. Then Chad Clark stole the ball off the inbounds pass and missed a shot that Roberts followed for a layup. Harvard-Westlake turned the ball over immediately again, and Roberts hit two free throws to tie the game with 1:11 left.

"We knew we had to step up to the plate," Roberts said.

  

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