HOWARD Crawford helped Essex Leopards secure a fifth successive win with a 78-60 triumph at Leicester Warriors on Saturday.

Crawford top scored with 22 points for the Big Cats against their bottom of the table hosts.

And he was thrilled to maintain his side’s unbeaten start to the English Basketball League Division One campaign.

“I think we showed a lot of maturity as a team to go on the road and handle business against a struggling team,” said the American. “We could have easily played down to their level but we stuck with the game plan.

“It was also good to get our bench some quality minutes on the court.

“They played most of the second half and I see us getting better and better in defence.

“To go on the road and get a win is a plus in any situation and we want to build on our good start now.”

A strong third period was the key for Robert Youngblood’s side as they improved maintained their unbeaten start to the league season, winning all three of their matches.

Crawford led the way for the Big Cats with 22 points, while Carl Josey, Ronnie Baker and Marvin Isebor all added 10 points in a balanced offensive display from the visitors.

The Big Cats led 20-17 at the first break and extended that lead to 36-29 going into the locker room at half-time. But it was the third quarter where the win sealed as the Warriors were outscored 26-14, which included a huge dunk from Isebor as the visitors took a 62-43 lead into the final break.

And although Leicester won the fourth period 17-16 it was too late to prevent their 11th straight loss.

Leopards return to action on Friday when leaders Newham Neptunes are the visitors to the Brentwood Centre, tip-off 7.30pm.