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.
Reading established an early advantage and showed their composure when Birmingham fought back after half-time. Strong rebounding and four players scoring in double figures helped the visitors complete an important road win.
Reading establish an early lead
Reading started positively and took the opening quarter 17-11.
Both teams found their offensive rhythm during the second period, scoring 25 points each. That allowed Reading to maintain their six-point advantage and enter half-time leading 42-36.
Birmingham responded after the break. The hosts won the third quarter 16-12, reducing Reading’s lead to 54-52 and setting up a close finish.
Rockets deliver in the fourth
With the game still in the balance, Reading remained composed.
The visitors held Birmingham to 14 points in the final quarter while scoring 17 themselves. That final push secured a 71-66 victory and completed a successful start to Reading’s run of away fixtures.
Mo leads the scoring
Mo Walker led Reading with a powerful double-double:
- 21 points
- 10 rebounds
- Three assists
Yusef Salih added 17 points as Reading placed four players in double figures.
Jaxon Nap produced another influential performance across the court, finishing with:
- 16 points
- 14 rebounds
- Six assists
- Performance index of 24
It was also a particularly special game for Jaxon, with his parents in Birmingham to watch him help Reading secure the victory.
Jaylen Curry completed another double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Toby Holmes contributed five rebounds and four assists.
Reading control the glass
Reading’s rebounding proved crucial throughout the contest.
The Rockets collected 48 rebounds compared with Birmingham’s 38, giving the visitors an important advantage around the basket. Reading also outscored the hosts 32-24 in the paint.
The visitors converted 25 of their 59 field-goal attempts, shooting 42 per cent from the floor. Birmingham were restricted to 21 from 72, just 29 per cent.
Reading recorded 17 assists and made 20 of their 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
Reading now prepare for a demanding away double-header.
The Rockets travel to Newcastle Knights on Saturday 24 October before facing Yorkshire Dragons on Sunday 25 October.
Final score: City of Birmingham Rockets 66-71 Aldermore Reading Rockets.
