Guy Williams | 15th August 2011 | The Morning Bulletin

THE Republik Nightclub Rockets' title defence is still alive after an astonishing come-from-behind win over Townsville yesterday.

The Rockets stepped up a gear during the third quarter to overcome a fast-starting Townsville Heat to win 85-73 and advance through to next Friday night's semi-final against Brisbane's Northside Wizards.

A combination of a slow start from the Rockets, coupled with a dynamic start by the home team saw the Rockets trailing by 18-2 after the opening five minutes of the men's QBL quarter-final at Townsville's QN Stadium.

Australian Boomers star Stephen Weigh, who along with centre Travis Reed finished with a game-high 23 points, broke the deadlock by scoring the Rockets first basket in more than five minutes after scrambling for an offensive rebound.

“He just took us to that next level, and brought everyone with him,” Rockets coach Neal Tweedy said.

The Rockets then went on a 16-point run to lock the scores at 18-18 at quarter time after Ryan Jeffries hit a long-range three to spur on the reigning QBL men's champions.

Townsville controlled the second quarter to lead 42-38 at the half-time break before the Rockets stepped up a gear to break the match wide open during the third quarter.

Rockets coach Neal Tweedy credited his team's passion for their first win over Townsville away from home in 2011.

“It was really a dog fight from the first quarter onwards and the difference was that we wanted it more,” Tweedy said.

“The team was under duress. We're the reigning champions and we stood up and we just wanted it more than they did.

“It came down to our attitude in defence and hunger (to win).”

Leading 62-56 at the final break, the Rockets extended their lead to 15 midway through the final quarter before Townsville's Daniel Egan hit a three to bring the lead back to 12 where it remained.

Tweedy praised his men for their determination and ability to silence their critics.

“We probably had some knockers and people out there that didn't think we could win up there,” he said.

“But, we had the effort from everyone, and I know we talk about it a lot, but it was the effort in defence that won the game for us.

“To keep Townsville to 73 on their home court is a tremendous effort. We knew we had the ability to score over 90 points, so it was more about keeping them under that.”