Reading Rockets made the perfect start to their 2026/27 BCB Trophy campaign with an 80-54 victory over London Cavaliers in front of a sell-out crowd at Loddon Valley.
With 435 supporters inside The Valley, the new-look Rockets delivered a strong all-round performance, leading from the opening quarter and steadily increasing their advantage throughout the afternoon.
Rockets establish control early
Reading started brightly and took the opening quarter 21-15, immediately setting the tone with strong defensive pressure and good movement at the offensive end.
The Cavaliers stayed within touching distance during the second period, but the Rockets edged the quarter 17-15 to take a 38-30 lead into half-time.
After the break, Reading began to take greater control.
The Rockets held London to just 11 points in the third quarter, winning the period 17-11 and extending the advantage to 55-41 heading into the final ten minutes.
Reading then produced their strongest offensive quarter of the game when it mattered, scoring 25 points in the fourth while limiting the Cavaliers to 13 to close out an impressive 80-54 victory.
MVP performance from Mo Walker
Mo Walker delivered a dominant opening-day performance for the Rockets.
Walker finished with:
27 points
12 rebounds
6 assists
His impact went well beyond scoring, leading Reading in both points and assists while also finishing second on the team in rebounds.
Jaxon Nap produced another huge performance inside, recording a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds.
Yusef Salih also finished with 15 points, adding 5 assists and 4 rebounds as three Rockets players reached double figures.
Rockets win the battle inside
Reading’s efficiency around the basket proved to be one of the biggest differences between the teams.
The Rockets shot 31 from 66 from the field at 46%, compared with London’s 18 from 58 at 31%.
Reading were particularly effective inside the arc, shooting 55% on two-point attempts, while the Cavaliers finished at 40%.
The Rockets also held a significant advantage in the paint, outscoring London 42-20.
From three-point range, Reading connected on 9 of 26 attempts for 34%, while the Cavaliers were restricted to 6 of 28 for 21%.
Rebounding and team basketball make the difference
Reading controlled the glass throughout the game, winning the rebounding battle 44-30.
Nap led everyone with his 15 rebounds, followed by Walker with 12.
The Rockets also moved the ball effectively, recording 20 assists compared with 11 for London.
Salih contributed five assists, with Jax Bouknight adding four, behind Walker’s game-high six.
Despite both teams recording 16 turnovers, Reading were able to make better use of their possessions and consistently create higher-quality scoring opportunities.
By the numbers
| Statistic | Reading Rockets | London Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 80 | 54 |
| Field Goals | 31/66 (46%) | 18/58 (31%) |
| 2-Point Field Goals | 22/40 (55%) | 12/30 (40%) |
| 3-Point Field Goals | 9/26 (34%) | 6/28 (21%) |
| Free Throws | 9/14 (64%) | 12/15 (80%) |
| Rebounds | 44 | 30 |
| Assists | 20 | 11 |
| Steals | 6 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 16 |
| Points in the Paint | 42 | 20 |
| Second-Chance Points | 14 | 5 |
| Points off Turnovers | 10 | 10 |
| Bench Points | 11 | 8 |
| Fast-Break Points | 7 | 9 |
Quarter scores
| Quarter | Reading Rockets | London Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 21 | 15 |
| Q2 | 17 | 15 |
| Q3 | 17 | 11 |
| Q4 | 25 | 13 |
| Final | 80 | 54 |
Final: Reading Rockets 80-54 London Cavaliers
It was a strong opening statement from the Rockets, but just as important was the support around the court. A sell-out crowd welcomed the team back to The Valley and helped create a brilliant atmosphere for the first home game of the new campaign.
The Rockets return to Loddon Valley on Sunday 20 September, when they face Worthing Thunder in their next BCB Trophy home fixture.
Thank you, Rockets Family. See you back in The Valley. 🚀
Get your tickets now for our next home game against Worthing Thunder on Sunday 20 September and help us fill The Valley again!
