NEAL Tweedy knows the  Minecorp Rockets need to put their nail-biting loss to Cairns behind them as they prepare for the crucial road trip to Brisbane.

Hegvold Stadium was rocking for longer than usual on Saturday night as the game went into double over-time after the score was locked at 78-all at full-time.

But Cairns performed just that little bit better in the closing moments, edging ahead to win 97-94.

Rockets coach Neal Tweedy said the loss was unfortunate but the game couldn't have been any closer.

"We went into double over-time after both teams were on 78 points at full-time.

"The score was close the whole game. There was only about three points between us each quarter," Tweedy said.

Predicted star players Travis Reid, Ryan McDade and Brad Williamson were the Rockets' main point-scorers on Saturday night, with Reid scoring an impressive 31 points and taking 14 rebounds. McDade had 20 points and 17 rebounds, while Williamson added 18 points and 12 rebounds.

This weekend the Rockets will travel to Brisbane to play back-to-back games against Brisbane and Northside.

"It's going to be tough with back-to-back games away from home but to have a chance of hosting any playoffs this season we need to beat them," Tweedy said.

Saturday night's loss leaves the Rockets second on the QBL ladder behind Mackay with Northside third.