Birmingham Rockets recorded a crucial win in the race for the playoffs against London Cavaliers at Nechells Wellbeing Centre on Saturday evening.
Rockets were led by Orlan Jackman’s eighteen points on the night, while Zack Powell’s 12 points and five assists were crucial as Rockets edged the Londoners.
The win moves Rockets two games clear of London in the race for the playoffs in National Basketball League (NBL) Division One.
Rockets were quick to get the raucous home crowd on their feet as Zack Powell and Luke Okosieme linked up to great effect with a perfectly executed alley-oop finish.
London were not going to roll over lightly, however, fighting back with a pair of free throws courtesy of A.J Roberts to extend their early lead (5-9).
Jackman and Okosieme added unanswered points as Rockets took the lead (10-9) but the game would swing back and forth a number of times as both sides grappled for control of the contest.
Indeed, the Cavaliers would end the first quarter one point ahead (18-19) with Bryan-Amaning grabbing the final score of the quarter with a well taken finish from close range.
The pattern of play continued in the second with both sides scoring 21 apiece to see London take a one point advantage into the interval.
Leon Henry took over during the second for Rockets, hitting a number of clutch shots from deep and converting from the line when required to keep Rockets on the heels of the Cavaliers.
The third quarter has proved a tough period for Rockets this season, but Coach Smith’s side came out of halftime with a renewed focus and energy – taking the game to the Cavaliers and swinging the pendulum back in their favour courtesy of a 26-22 display during the third quarter.
Powell was instrumental early on, providing an assist to captain Martyn Gayle, who hit a signature three from the corner, before adding a pair of three pointers himself as Rockets edged ahead.
Gayle and Jackman would hit a number of crucial shots during this period, enabling Coach Smith’s side to build a 65-62 advantage heading into the final quarter of play.
A nervy final quarter ensued with neither side able to score for over two and a half minutes with both defences fighting for every ball as the game ticked towards its dramatic conclusion.
Justin Robinson hit a three to the dismay of the home crowd, putting London two ahead (65-67) with just over six minutes remaining.
A pair of free throws from the ever-reliable Jackman levelled things up before the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist added five points in no time at all to keep Rockets ahead (72-69).
London would take the lead for the final time with just over a minute to play thanks again to the impressive Robinson (72-74) before Birmingham born Powell hit a three with just 50 seconds on the clock to snatch the win for Rockets.
A period of frantic defence ensued as London desperately tried to find a final score, but Manning and Robinson both saw thier late three point efforts fall short.
The home crowd erupted at the final buzzer, and with good reason, as Rockets now have a fantastic opportunity to advance to the postseason playoffs for the first time in the club’s history at this level.
Rockets are back at home on Saturday 5th April as Derby Trailblazers visit Nechells in our final outing of the 2024/25 regular season.
Coach Charles Smith’s side face a trip to Worthing Thunder next Saturday and will be hoping to clinch their playoff place down on the south coast – stay tuned to our social media channels for live updates next Saturday!