National Trophy finalists Reading Rockets (11-5) will be back in league action this weekend when they travel to the Capital to take on Westminster Warriors (2-13) in NBL Division One on Sunday afternoon (3pm tip-off) at Capital City Academy. Rockets made it through to their first final of the season last weekend as a stunning performance in the National Trophy semi final over Team Northumbria ensured they set up a date with rivals Manchester Magic on Sunday 21st February at the University of East London.
The Berkshire outfit currently lie in fourth place in the table and will be looking to make it 12 wins from 17 games as they take on the Warriors who are sitting in a precarious position in twelfth place just above the relegation zone. Sunday’s opponents have already given the Rockets two real tests back in October (86-80 to Rockets) and November when they took the home team that day to double overtime, only for the Reading team to come out on top 87-84.
Rockets Head Coach Manuel Peña Garcés couldn’t hide his delight at Sunday’s semi final victory over Team Northumbria but knows this weekend’s league game against Westminster is crucial prior to their National Trophy final date with Manchester Magic. In reaching his fifth final with the Berkshire club, the Spaniard said,
“I am absolutely delighted with my team and how they played. We were excellent for 35 minutes of the game and throughly deserve to be in the final. After some difficult games with varied performances we did a great job playing more consistently and disciplined and I am delighted for everyone involved in the club.”
“For us, it needs to be a stepping stone. We have got a crucial game in the league this weekend against a team we have found to be really difficult to overcome, before the final itself and then three really tough away games. Sunday’s performance should be the boost we need heading into the latter stages of the season when every game is vital.”
“This weekend sees us take on Westminster and I am surprised about their league position because of the two performances against us already this season. We are expecting another tough game despite their league position because they have got some really good talent in their team and have played much better in recent weeks. We must be focused for this and take care of this game before we concentrate on the National Trophy final next week.”
Rockets go into Sunday’s game against the Warriors with news that American point guard Antonio Robinson showed no signs of the injuries that made him doubtful for last weekend’s match up against Team Northumbria. Having suffered head and knee injuries the previous week, it was touch and go as to whether the 23 year old would be able to play but he did so in style securing a triple double for the Berkshire outfit with 11 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists and looks set to be fit for this weekend’s clash. Scottish point guard Fraser Glass only managed two minutes of play last weekend as illness kept him off the court all week but it is hopeful the 6’2 foot 23 year old will be fully fit ahead of this Sunday’s match up as the Rockets look to make it four straight league wins.
To keep up to date with all the latest information, check out the Rockets website www.readingrockets.co.uk and Twitter @rocketsreading.
Media@readingrockets.co.uk
Basketball Hotline 0118 926 3040