Reading Rockets (5-1) welcome title contenders London Lituanica (6-1) to Reading this weekend when they host one of the in form teams in NBL Division One on Sunday afternoon at the Rivermead Leisure Complex (5pm tip-off).
Rockets were not in action last weekend after exiting the National Cup at the hands of Worthing and Sunday’s predominately Lithuanian opponents dropped their first game of the season as they lost out to rivals Essex Leopards by 68 points to 89 meaning both teams will be eager to get back to winning ways and keep the pressure on league leaders Derby Trailblazers who remain the only team with a 100% record in the division.
Having had a weekend free, Rockets Head Coach Manuel Pena Garces will be hoping his team is fresh and ready to go ahead of a tough three game run in to the Christmas period. The Spanish play-caller spent his time preparing for the visit of London Lituanica this Sunday and is wary of the upcoming opponents. He said,
“I think having the weekend off will have helped us in being rested and fresh from a lot of games so far but the down side is we will have a lot of games to catch up on after the Christmas break. We will be working hard during the week having had some down time and I think we will be ready for this weekend’s crucial game as well as the two the following weekend but it’s going to be tough.”
“Sunday’s opponents have done really well so far and are deserve to be near the top of the table. I really respect what they are doing and I think they have one of the best players in the league in Ausridas Petraitis who is averaging over 25 points per game this season and leading what is also a very well coached team.”
“We will have to work extremely hard to overcome this team because they are aggressive and intelligent in terms of basketball but I think we will match up well against them and with the addition of Ben Allison I think that will really help us as we look to carry on our good league form”
Rockets go into Sunday’s game with the news that shooting guard Joel Keeble is back from his knee injury and will be in contention once again for Manuel Pena Garces’ team. The Berkshire outfit is also buoyed by the signing of English talent Ben Allison who joins the Reading team having attended Davidson University and most recently played in LEB Gold in Spain. The 27 year old forward looks certain to make his debut this weekend along side regulars Danny Carter and David Ajumobi in the front court. Coach Pena Garces should have a full squad to select from and he will welcome back Spanish Under 18 duo Fidel Gomez de Enterria Lopez and Ibu Jassey Demba to the fold this weekend.
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