Despite Rockets excellent winning streak of 8 from 9, and despite a huge travelling support, Head Coach Samit Nuruzade knew this would be the litmus test on just how Rockets might fare as they seek a top 4 finish league finish . Rockets big man Jordan Jackson worked inside form the tip scoring 4 of Rockets initial 8 points but Storm held a slender lead in the early exchanges. Finleigh Porter scored from an offensive rebound before recent signing Jawad Adekoya stroked back to back trebles to see Rockets lead 18-14 with less than 3 minutes to go to the first break. Rockets extended their lead as Zack Powell sent an assist to Porter and then Jermiah Jenkins did likewise to Adekoya to stroke his third treble of the period giving Rockets a 23-16 advantage but Storm wound up their power and hit the last 6 points including a big treble leaving the hosts just adrift of Rockets by a single point at 22-23.
Jackson again scored inside, then had a slam which was copied by Porter moments later but the fight was now on as Storm hit 3 trebles and the game was tied on 29, 39 and 41 despite a great block from Reis Pinnock. Then Strom steamed on a 10-0 run and went into the changing room 53-43 ahead as 5 regular scorers for Rockets just couldn’t get the ball to drop at all and hadn’t troubled the table by the half time break.
The third quarter began with both teams exchanging trebles with Adekoya again having back to back success but Storm edged further ahead with another run , this time of 13-0 run giving Rockets a big mountain to climb against a team now brimming with confidence as Rockets were losing theirs. Jenkins and Adekopya were doing their utmost to keep Rockets in contention but Storm were determined not to let this game get close and led 79-54 at the end of the third period.
Storm shot out of the blocks with a 6-0 run at the start of the final quarter before Lewis Champion hit a treble to stop the rot quickly followed by a 3 point play from Jenkins. However Storm were draining trebles and showing just why they are undefeated in all competitions to date winning the National Cup just 2 weeks ago and off to the Kitking Final on 13th March as they opened up a 30 point winning advantage. Powell hit 8 personal points in these dying moments but Storm had deserved this fine win as they continue their relentless passage to win the league.
Top scorers for Rockets were Jawad Adekoya with 25 points whilst Jermiah Jenkins hit 19, Jordan Jackson 14 and Finleigh Porter 13. Rockets now return to Loddon Valley on Saturday with a 5 pm tip against Newcastle.