READING Rockets overcame all the odds to seal a place in the NBL Division One play-off final with a stunning 72-69 win at Derby Trailblazers.

The home side had been unbeaten all season and had not conceded more than 70 points since before Christmas, and Rockets were further tested by motorway delays on their journey north.

However, they turned in a fabulous performance to set up a titanic clash with the all-conquering Manchester Magic side in two weeks time.

The game against Derby began with Antonio Robinson making a steal and scoring, quickly followed a D’Montre Edwards three-point play and a pair of Danny Carter dunks. When Edwards drove and scored with a finger roll and Jordan Nicholls sprayed an assist to Carter to hit the first of his four trebles of the game.

Rockets had a 12-7 lead, but a 12-4 Derby run at the end of the period saw the visitors trail 16 -19 at the first break despite Wayne Yeboah opening his account and captain Carter scoring from an offensive rebound.

Rockets began the second quarter with another steal – this time from Edwards – who then gratefully accepted an assist from David Ajumobi to stroke a treble.

When Ajumobi spun to score, Rockets led 23-19. With both teams acknowledging the task ahead, the game was tied on 23, 25 and 27 points before a tough foul call against the effervescent Nicholls saw him having to be rested on three personal fouls.

A Robinson tip-in and lay-up saw Rockets have the slenderest of leads at 31-30 going into the interval.

Together with their 4-0 finish in the second quarter Rockets went on a 19-3 run at the start of the third period as captain Carter hit a brace of trebles as part of his eight personal points in the opening minutes.

Great floor hustle from Robinson showed Rockets’ determination to secure a place in the final and stirred the Rivermead side to concede just three points in almost seven minutes of play as their defence stood firm.

Ex-Rocket Tintin Watts hauled Trailblazers back into the game with five quick points but an Edwards assist to Ajumobi saw him hit a downtown treble.

A Robinson offensive rebound and score followed by an Edwards trademark pull up jump shot and a Yeboah buzzer-score helped Rockets to a 29-15 quarter and a lead of 60-45 as the final period beckoned.

Derby hit back with a 17-6 run thanks to three trebles – one a buzzer beater – as Rockets turned the ball over and were called for eight and 24-second violations thanks to pressure defence from Trailblazers.

Reading shots were rimming out as Derby raised their game and were in a purple patch.

The contest was tied on 67 points apiece as Derby stroked their fourth treble of the quarter and the clock showed just 1:20 remaining when Edwards hit two from two from the free throw line.

Derby tied it all up again with a similar score, but with just 44.9 seconds to go, Carter drove to give Rockets the edge and Edwards sank one from two from the penalty stripe to see Rockets three up with 10.8 seconds left – and Yeboah made a great interception to seal the victory.

Rockets will now play their third final in four seasons against a Manchester side which has already won the league, National Trophy and National Cup already this season.

READING Rockets Under 18s won a thrilling play-off quarter final 70-64 against Leicester Riders on Sunday, setting up a clash with Manchester Magic on Saturday, April 30.

The winners will play either Peckham Pride or Team Birmingham Elite in the final.