But for a four minute period when Magic went on a 23 - 7 run with Rockets having a lapse of concentration, coupled to outstanding shooting from Magic, Rockets may have propelled themselves into the Final Fours. Rockets fought back with a 17 - 7 run, but gallantly went out of the Play off Championship with a final score of Magic 83 Rockets 70.
Top scorers for Rockets - Ryan Lohfink and Louis Sayers both on 13, Kenny Saunders 12.
Despite a memorable and much improved second half performance, Rockets just lost out in their quest to reach the Final Fours.
Rockets began well with Kenny Saunders scoring their first five points including a finger roll followed by a powerful dunk as the two teams fought for court supremacy. Magic and Rockets have a history of titanic battles and this game lived up to the billing as neither team gained more than a single point lead for virtually all of the opening quarter until an outrageous 3 pointer launched from inside his own half by Manchester's point guard Gill game them a 4 point advantage at 20 points to 16.
Manchester started the second period with clinical finishing, especially from outside the arc as they went on a 23 – 7 run including five three pointers. A Rockets time out quelled the avalanche of threes and Rockets improved defence and more effective team work began to get results. Lohfink with a buzzer beating two, a hook shot and fine inside work encouraged Jason Sayers to cause Magic trouble in the paint as he scored 6 quick points. If only Rockets' three pointer attempts had a higher conversion rate, the game would have been closer than the 13 point difference Rockets had at the interval 35 – 48.
The third quarter was the lowest scoring of the game but the team effort for which Rockets is renowned was very prominent and the two 17 year old shooting guards Kofi Josephs and Louis Sayers hit clinical threes to keep Rockets in with a chance of victory as the final quarter began.
This being the determining period as to who would be at the Championship Play off Final Fours saw both teams giving their all. Robbie Parker, Adam Thoseby and Jon May penetrated the Magic's defence, Louis Sayers was shooting well and with Kenny Saunders and Ryan Lohfink commanding the boards, Rockets went on a 17 – 7 run as the score was 60 – 67 with 5 minutes to go. A couple of really tough refereeing calls didn't dent Rockets' resolve even though the travelling Rockets supporters were very vocal. With 90 seconds to go a slip on the court presented Manchester with an easy score and gave them a 9-point lead. Dan McKay and Ryan Lohfink reduced the deficit and a Louis Sayers 3 pointer kept Rockets in with a chance with 18 seconds left. However with Rockets having to foul to get possession, Magic stood strong on the free throw line to win by 83 points to 70.
Rockets had achieved their season's goal of being in the Play Offs and but for one short four minute period of lack of concentration coupled to some outstanding Manchester shooting, Rockets may well have made it to the Final Four.
Top scorers for Rockets were Ryan Lohfink and Louis Sayers both on 13 points and Kenny Saunders on 12 points (with 8 rebounds).
