READING Rockets (3-1) will be looking to return to winning ways when they host Bradford Dragons (2-1) at Rivermead Leisure Complex (5pm tip-off) on Sunday afternoon.

Rockets lost out for the first time this campaign in NBL Division One as they were defeated by Manchester Magic (3-1) 93-88 last Saturday evening to leave themselves as one of seven teams with a single loss in the first five weeks of the league season.

Sunday’s opponents also have one loss to their name having been defeated by league new-boys Kent Crusaders, but the West Yorkshire outfit have picked up wins against Loughborough Student Riders and Leicester Warriors.

In speaking ahead of his team's game against Bradford as well as reflecting on last Saturday’s defeat to Manchester, head coach Manuel Peña Garcés remained in a positive mood, but knows there is a lot of work for his team to do, especially at the defensive end of the floor.

He said: “While there were a lot of positives to take from Saturday’s game against Manchester, our focus needs to be on two key areas.

Firstly, missing 14 free throws is unacceptable for us, so we have to be better in this area, and secondly, we cannot give up the number of points we are if we are to consistently win games, so work on the defence end is going to be really important and where are focus needs to be.

“We will undoubtably improve, but as a reflection for this game, these are the specific areas we need to work on moving forward.”

Pena Garces (pictured) continued: “This weekend we take on Bradford who are always tough to play against.

Year in, year out, coach Chris (Mellor) does a great job in maximising the talent he has on the floor and gets his team to be competitive and difficult to beat and we know this season will be no different.

“They have good, young talent at multiple spots and will definitely be a handful, but this is a perfect opportunity for us to take the next step and show improvement against one of the more established teams in the division.”

Rockets go into Sunday’s game against Bradford having split the matches with their visitors last season.

The Berkshire outfit were defeated 102-96 away before winning their home fixture 108-85.

Reading have no injury concerns and will be hoping captain Danny Carter will get another full week of training under his belt as he returns to match fitness.

Rockets also welcome back Under 19 forward Alex Drincic and Under 18 duo Adrian Nosa Castillo and Iñigo Perez Baena.