Reading Rockets (6-1) face arguably their toughest double header weekend of the season when they round of 2015 with a trip to Hemel Storm (7-3) on Saturday evening (7pm tip-off) before returning home for the final game of the year when they host the league leaders Manchester Magic (8-1) on Sunday at the Rivermead Leisure Complex (5pm tip-off). Rockets kept up the pace at the top of NBL Division One with a win over fellow title contenders London Lituanica as the Berkshire club fought off a late comeback winning by 65 points to 55 to make it six wins from seven ahead of this weekend’s two crucial match-ups. Last time out, Rockets lost out to Hemel Storm by 65 points to 86 in the National Trophy pool stages and are yet to face Manchester Magic this term. The Reading teams two opponents this weekend played each other last weekend with Manchester Magic winning that game 92-76 to top Division One.
Speaking after last Sunday’s victory and ahead of this weekend’s crunch games, Rockets Head Coach Manuel Pena Garces was pleased with the progression his team has made in the last two weeks which in turn led to a better performance against London Lituanica. The Spanish play-caller said,
“Having had a weekend off, I think this really helped us because we were able to get some rest, integrate Ben Allison into the team, and practice and prepare for the last three games before the Christmas break. On Sunday against Lituanica, I thought we were much better defensively and the work we had been doing definitely showed. I think offensively we still need to keep working and that is something we can do this week in order to be ready for Hemel and Manchester.”
“This weekend is going to be a big one for us! We are playing two teams that are at the top of the league and playing really well. Hemel beat us at home last month and played really well so we are expecting a very tough game against them but since then we have learnt a lot of lessons and got better. Manchester are the league leaders and went on a 16 game winning streak so are definitely the team to beat but it will be a tough task trying to do so because they have a talented roster and are well coached.”
“We are really looking forward to these two games and both will be well supported and crucial for all teams involved because it is so tight at the top of Division One and really exciting for everyone involved.”
Rockets go into the last weekend of 2015 with no new injury concerns meaning Manuel Pena Garces should have a fully fit squad to choose from. Forward Ben Allison made his début in the win against London Lituanica and Shooting Guard Joel Keeble continued his recovery from injury and featured prominently last weekend. The Berkshire club will make a decision on their two final selections from Under 18 players with Fidel Gomez De Enterria, Ibu Jassey, Ali Sbai, and Bikram Rana all in contention for a place as the Rockets look to close out 2015 by keeping the heat on at the top of NBL Division One in their quest to win their third league title in four years.
To keep up to date with all the latest news and information ahead of this weekend’s double header and over the Christmas period visit the Rockets website www.readingrockets.co.uk and follow the club on twitter @rocketsreading.