NATIONAL Trophy finalists Reading Rockets (11-5) return to league action this weekend when they visit Westminster Warriors (2-13) in NBL Division One on Sunday.

Manuel Peña Garcés’s men reached their first final of the season last Sunday as a stunning 80-72 victory in the National Trophy semi final against Team Northumbria set up a date with Manchester Magic on February 21.

The home side began brilliantly at the Rivermead Leisure Complex, racing into a 23-10 lead by the end of the first quarter with captain Danny Carter contributing 10 points.

They furthered their advantage to 34-15 midway through the second stanza, although the visitors cut the gap to 41-32 at half time.

However, Rockets regrouped and were 58-46 up going into the last quarter, and they held on for a comfortable win, Carter top-scoring with 22 points and nine rebounds.

Returning to the league, the Berkshire outfit currently lie in fourth place in the table and will be looking to make it 12 wins from 17 games as they take on the Warriors, who are sitting just above the relegation zone.

However, Westminster have already given the Rockets two real tests – losing 86-80 back in October and forcing double overtime at home in November – only for Reading to win 87-84.

Head Coach Peña Garcés could not hide his delight at the semi-final victory, reaching his fifth final with the Berkshire club.

The Spaniard said: “I am absolutely delighted with my team and how they played. We were excellent for 35 minutes of the game and thoroughly deserve to be in the final.

“After some difficult games with varied performances we did a great job playing more consistently and disciplined and I am delighted for everyone involved in the club.”

He continued: “For us, it needs to be a stepping stone. We have got a crucial game in the league this weekend, against a team we have found to be really difficult to overcome, before the final itself and then three really tough away games. Sunday’s performance should be the boost we need heading into the latter stages of the season when every game is vital.”

Peña Garcés admitted he is surprised by Westminster’s struggles and warned: “We are expecting another tough game despite their league position because they have got some really good talent in their team and have played much better in recent weeks.

“We must be focused for this and take care of this game before we concentrate on the National Trophy final next week.”

American 23-year-old Antonio Robinson overcame an injury niggle to start with a triple double for Rockets with 11 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in the semi final, and he looks set to be fit for this weekend’s clash.

Pena Garces will hope Scottish point guard Fraser Glass recovers from illness as Rockets look to make it four straight league wins.