It was the perfect response from Rockets, who had fallen to a dramatic defeat to Essex Leopards the previous night in the National Trophy.

Manuel Pena Garces’ side were on top form on Sunday evening though, and were more comfortable than the eventual seven point margin suggested.

Alex Zurn was in superb form throughout after returning from compassionate leave and opened the scoring with a fine effort.

The American guard made six steals throughout the game to ensure Rockets stayed on top against their local rivals, and he also struck a treble and a great effort off the glass as Rockets ended the quarter 24-12 up.

That was extended to 43-28 by the end of the second period, with the influential Zurn amassing than half of Rockets’ total points.

Rockets were playing some enticing stuff and raced into a 60-38 lead with just four minutes of the third period left, but a 15-point run by Cavaliers meant it was 62-53 heading into the final period.

But Garces’ side regained their composure at the start of the final period and four quick Guardia Marti points helped them regain a 16 points lead.

Zurn responded to Cavaliers’ nine-point run with a treble, but the visitors refused to lie down and fought back with two trebles of their own.

The lead was six points with just under three minutes remaining, but Rockets extended their lead to 12 and eventually ran out 85-78 winners, with Zurn the undoubted star of the show for Rockets as he contributed 29 points, six assists, seven rebounds and six steals as he helped Rockets reach the next round of the cup.

• ROCKETS had bounced back in perfect fashion from the disappointment of the previous evening, when Essex grabbed victory with just 2.4 seconds left on the buzzer.

It had been a tight, absorbing contest throughout, with the score 38-38 at half-time, and 55-55 at the end of the third period.

With the game in the balance, Rockets took the advantage with 44 seconds left on the buzzer when Turman slamdunked to give Garces’ side a one point lead.

But Leopards timed their reply to perfection and regained the lead at the death.

The drama wasn’t over though as Rockets went direct and a last gasp effort went in, but was released moments after the buzzer had ran out, denying Rockets an incredible victory.

Adria Baiget top scored with 20 points, but it wasn’t enough as they fell to their third defeat in the National Trophy.

Rockets must now beat group leaders Worthing Thunder at the Rivermead Centre on Sunday (4pm) to keep alive their hopes of progressing to the next stage, though they will also need to beat Hemel Hampstead in their last fixture.

• A WALKING basketball session will be open to the public on Sunday at the Rivermead Centre between 11.30am and 12.30pm.