In a low scoring game where both defences were prominent, Rockets, in spite of Kenny Saunders having been unwell during the week, kept the free scoring Magic guards to just 49 points prior to the last five minutes of the game, when as Rockets strove for possession, Magic scored 10 points from the free throw line and edged out Rockets by 65 - 52 in what was an enthralling game.
Despite his sickness, Saunders top scored with 18 points and 10 rebounds, ably assisted by Rockets' captain Ryan Lohfink who also had a double double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
EBL Division 1 Manchester Magic 65 Reading Rockets 52
Saturday 6th March 2010 Amaechi Basketball Centre, Manchester
With Rockets' in form Kenny Saunders recovering from a sickness bug, Head Coach Matt Johnson knew this northern trip was going to be a titanic affair … and it was.
Both defences were in the ascendancy before the half time interval in a low scoring affair where quality basketball shone through in the packed arena. Captain Ryan Lohfink led the way from the tip being strong on the boards and working tirelessly inside. Saunders opened his account with a spin and one hand dunk but Rockets' early 8 – 4 lead was turned into a 6 point deficit as Magic finished the first quarter with a 10 – 0 run
Rockets' twin spearhead attack was prominent in the second period as Rockets fought back to take a single point lead which they held till half time. Lohfink had ten personal points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals with Saunders having 9 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals before the referees drew the half to a close. Rockets were competing in all the key areas, and had kept Magic's trio of high scoring guards to just 14 points between them. Louis Sayers had hit the only 3 of the first half to give Rockets a 25 – 24 advantage though that could have been four more points if 2 controversial travel violations hadn't been called by the referee in the dying second.
Magic were hurting from having lost the National Trophy the previous weekend but after a dressing rooms' review by Rockets' Head Coach, it was Rockets who took the initiative in the third period as they opened up an early 7 point lead at 31 points to 24 with a 6 – 0 run. Manchester, through ex Rocket Tintin Watts, scored their first three of the evening. The speed and intensity of the game highlighted the quality shown by these two old rivals but it was Magic who finished with a 12 – 4 run to go into the final quarter 43 – 38 in the lead.
Jon May picked up his second accidental head injury as the fourth period began but Rockets delved deep in their resources to stay in contention despite a couple of Rockets' finger rolls not dropping whilst both Manchester's dropped in. When a couple of lapses of concentration gave Magic 4 easy points, Rockets knew the end game scenario meant fouling Magic and hoping to score with the resultant possession. However Magic hit 10 points from the free throw line and Rockets' shots rimmed out so Magic took the victory by 65 points to 52 points, though Sayers and May admirably supported Saunders and Lohfink who were outstanding for Rockets.
Rockets' top scorers were Kenny Saunders with 18 points and 10 rebounds, Ryan Lohfink with 16 points and 10 rebounds, whilst Louis Sayers and Jon May finished on 7 points apiece.
