READING Rockets (14-9) will be up against one of the league's highest-scoring teams when they entertain Worthing Thunder at Rivermead Leisure Complex on Sunday (5pm).
Rockets split last weekend’s games, but were victorious in their second encounter as they finally stopped the rot of four consecutive NBL Division One defeats when they beat Bradford Dragons 86-63 after losing to Derby Trailblazers 104-97 the night before.
This Sunday’s opponents recorded an incredible 80-point victory over relegation-threatened Liverpool last weekend as they ran out 150-70 winners to keep themselves in contention for a top three finish.
Runaway leaders Team Solent Kestrels claimed the title after a pair of wins last weekend with Thames Valley Cavaliers almost certain to now claim the runners-up spot in the division.
The meeting between the two teams will be the second of the season, with the Rockets claiming an impressive 100-81 away win at the Thunderdome back in December.
Rockets head coach Alan Keane highlighted what a force to be reckoned with this Sunday’s opponents are and the importance of the game at this late stage of the season.
The Irishman said: "Arguably the most potent scoring team in league, Worthing Thunder certainly proved that as they unloaded 150 points last weekend in one game. A team who are capable to have all five players on the floor who can shoot the three-ball really well.
"Worthing will certainly stretch the capacity of our defence, however, on the other end we will have to be very aggressive in attacking the basket relentlessly. It is an important game for both teams with play-off seedings to fight for and we should see the best that both teams have to offer."
Rockets go into this weekend’s game with no new injury concerns and should continue to have a fully-fit squad available after an injury-strewn season.
All of the Berkshire outfits concerns have returned to full training and game play with Spanish duo Matias Boho and Pau Mayor the latest to be declared fully fit.
Coach Keane will be buoyed by the valuable minutes given by academy duo Ross Stepney and Asher Ndah last weekend as well as new signing Leome Francis, who has made a positive impact since beginning life in Reading last month.
Rockets know a win this weekend keeps them right in the play-off mix, but defeat for the Reading team will all but consign them to seventh place in the division and a tough quarter-final away trip in the post season to this year’s runners-up.
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