ANDREW ALOIA  |  July 15th, 2011 | Townsville Bulletin

STATISTICS may not lie, but the Heat will tonight be out to underline the truth.

Townsville manhandled their way to the outright Queensland Basketball League lead last week when they savaged both Caboolture and Brisbane on the road. More importantly, they imposed themselves as the best defensive unit in the competition, holding the Suns to 62 points and the Capitals to 58.

The Heat has conceded just 72 points-per-game this season. And that's not even the Heat at their best, according to in-form big man Ben Allen.

"We are a bit surprised to see that (defensive record), because we see a lot of holes and know that we can guard a lot better," Allen admitted.

Tonight at QN Stadium, against Rockhampton, a side they failed to match in their first meeting, Allen said they could make a statement that the rise-and-rise of the Heat had only just begun.

"We are going to take it to a whole new level because we can't have holes in defence against teams like Rocky and Mackay," Allen said.

"This is our chance to show that we can get even better. We have let ourselves down with communication when going to zone."

Allen's responsibility will be to deal with the heavy-duty danger posed by seasoned NBL big Pero Vasiljeric and the American import Travis Reed. The pair last week led a ruthless Rockets performance against Cairns, humbling the Marlins 91-59.

While Allen starred against Caboolture, he lasted just 20 minutes against Brisbane before fouling out. Another letdown will cost the Heat, and the Townsville Crocs NBL player knows it.

"That's going to be in the back of my mind," he said.