Rockets overcame third placed Bristol Hurricanes to extend the streak to 18 wins and 0 losses in the league after a comfortable 80-67 at Nechells Wellbeing Centre on Saturday evening.
Bristol came into the game with a point to prove having lost the reverse fixture in overtime back in November and they came out of the blocks quickly – matching our early intensity in front of a packed Nechells crowd.
The fixture saw the return to action for player coach Martyn Gayle who had sat out the past two games.
After Bristol Hurricanes’ strong start, our visitors kept themselves in front for the majority of the first quarter.
We found it tough to find consistent shooting form until the end of the quarter when a late surge led by Karl Teesdale and Ron Oberia gave Rockets a narrow one point lead at the end of the first.
The second quarter started with good hustle from Rockets newest recruit Reiss Faure-Daley who led the game in steals alongside Martyn Gayle.
Both sides traded blows in a very close quarter in what proved to be a physical affair, with five of the visiting cohort received technical fouls during the game.
Rockets scored 17 to Hurricanes’ 15 in the second as we went into half time with a slim three point lead, 36-33.
A half that displayed really solid defense from both sides came to life in the third as Rockets found their offensive rhythm.
A 24-14 period of play in favour of Rockets opened up a points barrier which appeared to all but condemn our visitors to defeat.
Ron Oberia excelled in the third quarter and Hurricanes struggled to handle him, leading the game in scoring with 27 points and proving a key offensive outlet.
Jordan Dawes and Reiss Faure-Daley both looked good on both ends as they were crucial in building our lead.
A feisty final quarter saw Hurricanes try and turn the tide but they failed to make much of an inrode into our double-digit advantage.
Martyn Gayle led the offensive charge as we looked to see the game out while Ron Oberia continued to put on a show for a sell-out crowd with numerous thunderous dunks.
Rockets saw out the game to clinch a huge win in the context of the season that puts us in a strong position going into the final four games of the season.
We travel to local rivals Worcester Wolves tomorrow evening in what is sure to be another tough game against Coach Dean Blake’s playoff chasing side.