Reading Rockets 72 – Team Solent Kestrels 100
By Jamie King
The Rockets ventured to Southampton on Saturday evening for a first-round playoff fixture against the reigning champion Team Solent Kestrels. After a whirlwind season of injuries, postponements, inspired victories and tough losses, the Rockets had done fantastically well to build momentum in the closing weeks of the regular season and earn their place in the playoffs. Spurred on by the infectious energy of their travelling fans, the Rockets fought hard in a back-and-forth battle which eventually slipped away in the fourth quarter, ending 100-72 after the champions absorbed Reading’s pressure and struck back with a clinical performance on both ends.
The tone of the game was set early, with inside scoring the order of the day. Meshack Lufile responded to a pair of early Solent scores with a strong post move to put the Rockets on the board before Jaz Bains – one of Reading’s standout performers in the contest – showed excellent footwork to manufacture a stepback three on the left wing. Besides this make, the action was largely confined to the paint. It was a physical, defensive contest and Reading relied on foul shots through the early exchanges, with Tyler Cartaino and Reis Pinnock both using their athleticism to earn trips to the line. The Kestrels rebounded well on both ends, denying Reading second-chance points while scoring some of their own, but Cartaino’s free throws tied the contest up at 10-10 with four minutes to go. A period of good energy and defense by the Rockets went unrewarded as they struggled to convert offensively, and it wasn’t long before Solent began finding their way into the paint again to challenge Meshack at the rim. Luke Busumbru and Cole Gentry each scored for Solent and Orlan Jackman, who proved a handful for the Rockets all night long and was a key player in Solent’s victory, drew a foul on Meshack and hit both at the line. Busumbru increased Solent’s lead at the buzzer with a wild pull-up three which rattled through the hoop. After a tough quarter in which the Rockets shot just 14% from the field, they were down 19-11 with their defense to thank for to keeping the deficit manageable.
Offensively, the Rockets needed to find another gear in the second period. Tyler Cartaino stepped up to provide from the outset, slicing through the defense for a lefty finger-roll before assisting an inside score to cut the lead by four. The Kestrels looked to respond with a layup of their own, but Meshack collapsed on the drive and batted the ball high and deep into the stands. Undeterred by the statement block, Solent’s Andre Arissol got inside for an and-one on his way to a game-high 20 points before a series of tough calls against the Rockets allowed the Kestrels to rebuild their advantage. Down nine, Meshack continued his strong interior play with a tough hook shot and-one, fighting through three Solent jerseys to get to the hoop and finish with great focus and touch. A putback score soon after had him well on the way to a big scoring night, but he was called for a frustrating charge – Reading’s second of the quarter – allowing Solent to regain some control. Cartaino and Lewis Champion each made tough shots to pin the score at 30-22 to Solent before the Rockets hit their stride with halftime approaching.
An 8-0 run levelled the score, with Ben Dixon the catalyst. He teamed up with Sam Toluwase to erase a shot inside before patiently carving through the paint for two layups. Cartaino stole the ball and delivered a perfect bounce pass to Champion for a fastbreak layup, forcing a Solent timeout and capping off the run with two minutes remaining. Jackman was back to work inside after play resumed, keeping Meshack busy with high energy and physicality, but the Rockets’ guards were able to keep the score level with crafty layups by Champion and Bains late in the quarter. The final play of the half saw the ball in Jaz’ hands, and he worked his way inside to draw three defenders before pivoting and kicking the ball to Toluwase at the top of the arc. His three ripped through the net as time expired, sending the Rockets into the break level at 37-37 after a brilliant end to the half.
The Rockets struggled to keep their offensive production up to start the third, with two turnovers and a quick five points for Solent in the opening minutes. Dixon continued to make heads-up plays, bouncing a pass between two Solent defenders to find Cartaino cutting backdoor for a dunk before pouncing on a loose ball and taking it straight to the hoop for a foul and free throws. The physicality of the first half was starting to pay dividends for Solent, however, as Jackman drew another foul on Meshack. This was his fourth, and Coach Pearson had no choice but to sub the star big man. The Kestrels seized the initiative with Reading now unable to dominate the paint, and a 12-0 run tilted the game firmly in their favour. Reading struggled to stop fastbreaks and drives and their offense suffered without the ability to post-up and slow down the game.
With the Rockets totalling just four points since the half, Meshack came back in with four-and-a-half minutes left. His reintroduction turned the tide once again, enabling Sam Toluwase – who had filled in as a makeshift centre – to kickstart the Rockets offense. His powerful cut and dunk ended Solent’s run and, dissatisfied with just one athletic highlight, he charged down the left lane on the next play and spun across the width of the paint with remarkable balance to scoop the ball in. Meshack scored inside again and his gravity began to open up better shots for Champion and Bains, who each connected from three as the Rockets passed their way around Solent’s aggressive defense. This late 8-0 run saw the Rockets cut the lead to 64-57 as the end of the third, with another great response late in the quarter to save the game.
With foul trouble looming, the fourth would, inevitably, be a struggle. Things looked hopeful for Reading initially though, and Cartaino plucked off another pass for a fastbreak layup before scoring an acrobatic effort inside off a Jaz Bains entry pass. Sadly, it wasn’t long before Meshack was dealt his final foul and was forced out of the game for good, leaving the Rockets in dire straits once again. Solent enjoyed control of the paint and offensive boards, continuing to pile up easy scores which Reading fought to answer. Jaz Bains and Reis Pinnock each created layups but Solent’s lead proved unassailable. The hosts’ offense had opened up dramatically, producing a Gentry three and a consistent supply of opportunities for Arissol. Toluwase connected from three again to give the Rockets a lifeline, but there was no stopping the champions as the match ran to its conclusion. Solent continued to score and Reading, knowing that their season was done, played out the final few minutes with heads held high.
The final score of 100-72 does the Rockets a great disservice in a game where they challenged Solent through the first three quarters and fell victim to unfortunate fouls from the outset. The effort and mental fortitude of the squad was on full display as they put together a number of crucial runs to keep themselves in the game. Meshack was pivotal in the battle down low while he was on the floor, scoring 14pts on 5/7 shooting and gathering eight boards despite the swarming rebounding of Solent. Jaz Bains and Ben Dixon provided great guard play and energy on both ends, with Jaz’ shotmaking one of the key sources of offense against a tough defensive side. Cartaino’s four steals and 4/4 free throws showed his ability to impact the game despite a tough shooting night and the combined efforts of Toluwase and Champion, who each had 10 timely points off the bench, kept the game close in key moments. Solent played well and executed their game plan effectively, minimising the defensive chaos of Reis Pinnock and forcing Meshack off the floor due to foul trouble, but they were made to work hard by a determined Rockets team who have shown enormous talent and heart this season.
With the season over, there’s little to do but thank Coach Pearson, his assistants, the players and the staff at Reading Rockets for another thrilling season of basketball. We can’t wait to be back for another chance to build on this season and contend in the 2022/23 season!