Reading Rockets (3) poured in 40 fourth quarter points last weekend to keep their play-off dream alive as they defeated a spirited Essex Leopards (6) 102-84 in the NBL Division One play-off quarter-finals. The Rockets, who finished third in league play, took on the sixth placed team in Essex having been beaten by the visitors to Reading on the previous two occasions but managed to fight back and set up a semi-final date with Derby Trailblazers (2) this coming weekend.. The hosts for the final four encounter overcame Lancashire Spinners (7) in the previous round winning by 91 points to 61 against the seventh placed outfit.
This weekend’s meeting will be the third between the two teams this season with the series split at one a piece. Both league games went in favour of the home team on the day with Derby securing a 15 point win back in January, 83-68 at Noel Baker School, and Reading securing a 9 point victory, 85-76 at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre two weeks ago. With both teams finishing with identical records (19 wins and 7 losses) it was the Trailblazers that took the runners-up position behind champions Manchester Magic having secured the head to head by 6 points.
Rockets Head Coach Manuel Pena Garces was thrilled to see his side overcome the Essex Leopards but knows the hard work must continue this week as his team prepare to visit the East Midlands and take on the league’s runners-up Derby Trailblazers. The Spaniard said,
“I was absolutely delighted with last Sunday’s win against Essex and how we came back from a deficit and especially our fourth quarter performance. It was a real battle against a very good team who fought us all the way but my players showed some great character and made some big plays to enable us to keep our season going and keep up the really good momentum we have shown of late.”
“I feel we are in a good moment but this week it is important to work harder than ever and prepare thoroughly for one of the toughest games of the season. Despite beating Derby two weeks ago, they are unbeaten at home and have had a really good season under the guidance of Coach Matt (Shaw) who will no doubt have his team ready with both teams having a chance of making the final and claiming the final piece of silverware of the season.”
“The Watts brothers have been the standouts for Derby this season, but what we like about their team are the depth and roles of their squad and the way they work hard and play for each other. Sydney Donaldson has been impressive throughout the campaign but they have always had different players score, defend, rebound, and do the important things that made them this year’s runners-up. Can we beat them? Yes of course because our team is talented also and has worked especially hard to get where they are today but it will be a hard game and this week’s preparation, focus, and discipline are going to be keys to try to do this!”
Rockets go into Saturday’s win or bust semi-final game with no new injury concerns meaning Manuel Pena Garces should have a fully fit team at his disposal. The Berkshire club will be looking to make their first play-off final in three seasons and their second national final of the current campaign having lost out to champions Manchester Magic in the National Trophy final back in January. Coach Pena Garces has the chance to make his sixth final in his three year tenure as the Reading club look to continue their march to play-off glory.
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