The Reading Rockets would fall to a 82 – 86 defeat against a talented young Barking Abbey squad in their final KitKing Trophy group stage game.
Still without the injured Reis Pinnock and the American Taylan Rowe, Rockets found it very difficult against a fast and talented Barking team. Though Rockets opened the scoring through 6’8” Chris Alexander the visitors hit the first of their trebles, something Rockets failed to do until the fourth quarter.
Zack Powell continued his rich vein of form of scoring helping the Rockets go 14-9 ahead . A Mitch Clarke drive and Finleigh Porter finish saw Rockets edge ahead by 20-18 at the end of the first period.
Isaac Round, who was enjoying his extra minutes on court, made a steal and score to see the Rockets enjoy a 27-23 advantage. However, Barking stormed back with a brace of trebles tying the scores 31- 33 . Clarke sent an exquisite pass to the heavens which saw Powell complete the alley hoop, but Barking finished the stronger and led at the interval 40-37.
The third quarter began with a Barling treble and they soon had a 59-43 advantage. A Powell slam and Rockets first treble of the game by Elijah Maynard saw Rockets reduce the deficit, Barking still held a 7 point lead at 68-61.
Zack Powell would help in Rockets attempted come back, though a couple of controversial calls by the officials troubled Rockets, but the disappointment would only fire the Rockets on, especially Powell who would make a steal and score, before Porter got Rockets to just a single point deficit at 72-73. Barking edged ahead but an Issac Round treble and an Maynard score would see Rockets within just one point.
The packed Loddon Valley arena showed their support with huge noise and appreciation for Rockets’ fight back and with just 49.4 secs remaining and the score 82-80 in Barking favour. Barking were given possession after a call of the only travel of the game, and scored from the free throw line to take the win 84-80.
Zack Powell top scored with a fine display of 26 points and 7 rebounds with Finleigh Porter hitting 13 points as both Mitch Clarke and Elijah Maynard hit 10 pts apiece.
Rockets would still progress however thanks to big wins over Worthing Thunder and Brighton Bears, This now takes the Rockets into the quarter finals where they will welcome a remade Essex Rebels squad to Loddon Valley on the 1st of October at 4pm.