ROCKETS snapped out of their losing run in emphatic fashion with a scintillating victory over Manchester at Rivermead.
After a run of four straight defeats, Reading were under pressure to try and restore their league challenge against a visiting side who came to Berkshire with a similar record to the hosts this season.
Manchester scored with their first possession but Rockets soon took the initiative, racing into a 22-10 lead with Jonny Foulds, Tim Gill and Scotty Hendricks on target.
A 6-0 run from the visitors reduced the arrears to 22-16 by the end of the first quarter, but Manuel Pena Garces’ men preserved their advantage, heading into half-time 42-30 ahead with Danny Carter showing his worth at both ends of the court and Ed Potter getting on the scoreboard.
And the game was completely taken away from Manchester in a brilliant third quarter where Reading took it 33-18.
Foulds, Declan Soukup, Hendricks and Ali Sbai all sunk trebles to give the home side an unassailable 75-48 lead heading into the final stanza.
Pena Garces gave his academy stars some court time to help see out the game as they won 97-62, their biggest ever winning margin over Manchester.
“Over the last few weeks we have played a lot better basketball and made a much bigger commitment to what we are doing,” said the Reading head coach.
“The key for us now is to do this more and for longer periods and the players and coaching staff are working hard each practice to make this a habit and in turn produce better performances each time we play.”
Focus now switches to this Saturday’s clash with Team Northumbria (11-4) at Wokingham’s Bohunt School with Rockets looking to boost their 9-7 record.
“Northumbria are on a really good run at the moment with a National Trophy final ahead of them as well as a six-game winning streak,” said Pena Garces.
“So I think the game comes at a good time for us as we put ourselves up against one of the league’s best.
“They are very tough to play against and always come prepared so we expect no different this time.”
Rockets top scorers: Gill 19 points, Hendricks 19, Carter 15.
