Aldermore Reading Rockets continued their strong start to the season with a hard-fought 71-66 victory over City of Birmingham Rockets at Nechells Wellbeing Centre.
We established an early advantage and showed composure when Birmingham fought back after half-time. Strong rebounding and four players scoring in double figures helped us take an important road win.
Reading started positively and took the opening quarter 17-11.
Both teams found their offensive rhythm during the second period, scoring 25 points each. We took a slender six-point advantage into half time leading 42-36.
Birmingham responded after the break. The hosts won the third quarter 16-12, reducing our lead to just 2 points, 54-52, setting up a close finish.
With the game still in the balance, We remained composed.
With some stellar defence, we held Birmingham to just 14 points in the final quarter while scoring 17 ourselves. A gritty game, we secured a 71-66 victory and completed a successful start on the road as we remain one of only 2 teams left undefeated in the league!
‘Big’ Mo Walker led us with an experienced double-double:
- 21 points
- 10 rebounds
- 3 assists
Yusef Salih added 17 points as we had four players score in double figures.
Jaxon Nap produced another stellar performance across the court, finishing with:
- 16 points
- 14 rebounds
- 6 assists
- Performance index of 24
It was also a particularly special game for Jaxon, with his parents in having flown over from America and travel to Birmingham to watch him help secure the victory.
Jaylen Curry completed another double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Toby Holmes contributed 5 rebounds and 4 assists, whilst also showing some amazing defense to hold Birmingham’s guards to a quieter evening then usual .
Our rebounding proved crucial throughout the contest.
We collected 48 rebounds compared with Birmingham’s 38, We also outscored the hosts 32-24 in the paint.
We converted 25 of our 59 field-goal attempts, shooting 42 per cent from the floor. Birmingham were restricted to 21 from 72, just 29 per cent.
Some great team play throughout the game was evident in the box score as we recorded 17 assists and made 20 of our 43 two-point attempts.
By the numbers
- Final score: Birmingham 66-71 Reading
- Field goals: Birmingham 21/72, Reading 25/59
- Rebounds: Birmingham 38, Reading 48
- Assists: Birmingham 13, Reading 17
- Points in the paint: Birmingham 24, Reading 32
- Second-chance points: Birmingham 11, Reading 12
Quarter scores
- First quarter: Birmingham 11-17 Reading
- Second quarter: Birmingham 25-25 Reading
- Third quarter: Birmingham 16-12 Reading
- Fourth quarter: Birmingham 14-17 Reading
- Final: Birmingham 66-71 Reading
Another road challenge awaits
We now prepare for a demanding away double-header.
On Saturday 24th October, we travel to Newcastle Knights before facing Yorkshire Dragons on Sunday 25 October.
Let’s Go Rockets!!!
