ROCKETS stepped up their play-off preparations with an impressive 84-72 victory over reigning champions Northumbria.
Reading’s form has been patchy of late while Northumbria are seeking a second successive title, but Manuel Pena Garces’ men took a step closer to a home play-off with victory at Bohunt School.
Declan Soukup and Scotty Hendricks led the charge with 16 and 15 points respectively as the hosts produced a fine fourth quarter to clinch victory.
“It was really important to get the win last weekend against one of the in-form teams in the league,” said Pena Garces.
“To do that with the performance we showed was very satisfying.
“We have been working very hard over the past couple of weeks to improve our discipline in more moments and our intent to do things and I felt that showed in abundance and the players delivered a positive performance.”
Rockets started strongly with a 27-15 opening quarter with Sydney Donaldson breaking the deadlock as the hosts began with a 6-0 run.
Soukup soon served up a treble before assisting Ali Sbai, who himself bagged two three-pointers.
But Northumbria stormed back with a 10-0 run at the start of the second, tying the game up at 34-34 before edging in front 40-39 at half-time.
Soukup again lit up the Reading offence after the restart, helping them to get their noses back ahead, going into the final stanza 62-59 ahead.
An early Hendricks treble extended the advantage to six points and they maintained that gap, extending it to double figures with a timely Soukup treble before closing out victory.
Rockets (10-7) now sit fifth in the table ahead of this weekend’s trip to Loughborough Student Riders (13-3).
“I really like the way Loughborough play and the young talent they have,” said Pena Garces.
“They beat us in the home game when we were in a difficult moment and to be honest outplayed us so this game comes at a good time when we are performing better and another tough opponent awaits us.
“Loughborough are still competing for the league title and having lost to Team Solent last weekend they will be wanting to bounce straight back and it is our job to not let that happen by preparing well and continuing with our very positive performances.”
Reading will be without Ed Potter while Tim Gill is expected to be fit to play again despite a hand injury.
Rockets top scorers: Soukup 16 points, Hendricks 15, Carter 13, Sbai 13.
