THE Minecorp Rockets extinguished the threat of the Gold Coast with the minimum of fuss at Hegvold Stadium on Saturday night.

It wasn't vintage Rockets but then it didn't have to be as the home side looked comfortable even after the first quarter when the Gold Coast were still in the contest.

The Rockets led by just seven at the end of the first term but from there extended the gap each time the Gold Coast threatened to get on a roll.

There are few things that bring a team back to earth when it sees a glimmer of hope while chasing a game.

Gold Coast felt that despair as it began to peg back the Rockets before the main break only to have Tony Campbell put together a series of three pointers to send their hopes crashing.

None of the players could be accused of playing badly but there was a sense that the Rockets had a couple more gears to go if they really required them.

The Gold Coast cause was not assisted when Scott McGregor limped off the court with a calf injury after playing just 14 minutes.

The loss of one of their better players and the trip to Mackay for a game the previous evening took its toll on the visitors.

However, the Rockets can only play against what is in front of them and coach Neal Tweedy used the opportunity to give his bench players plenty of court time.

Campbell did what was expected of him, especially from the three-point line, while Aaron Glazebrook provided a competitive edge during his time on court.

Of the starting five, Mitch Philp's drives into the opposition defence are unsettling and usually lead to teammates getting points.

However on Saturday it was Philp who grabbed his share of the glory with a match-high 24 points which included a couple of threepoint shots.

Philp outscored Travis Reed who had a 22-point haul while Ryan McDade topped the Rockets rebound list with 11 for the match.