READING Rockets recovered from a sluggish start to record an impressive 90-73 victory at Essex Leopards.

Heavy traffic meant Rockets were slow out of the blocks and Leopards took full advantage with three trebles firing them into a 28-16 lead in the first quarter.

Rockets’ most effective offensive trio of Craig Ponder, Chris Hooper and captain Danny Carter kept them in touch, while university student Paulin Jardim and Academy star Ibu Demba Jassey opened their personal accounts.

And after some strong words from head coach Manuel Pena Garces, the visitors refocused and fought tenaciously from there on.

A 10-0 run brought Rockets closer to Leopards, then they edged ahead at 33-32.

Leopards, though, responded as they regained a 43-42 lead at the interval despite a pair of Ali Sbai trebles plus 10 and eight points respectively from Ponder and Hooper.

But Ponder began to run the show and a further 20 points in the second half confirmed his influence on the game.

He sprayed assists to his colleagues, drove determinedly, drew fouls and scored through the eye of a needle, while also finding his three-point range.

And 11-0 run combined with and stout defence blasted Rockets into a 64-58 advantage in the third quarter.

Only Ponder, Hooper and Carter had scored in this quarter but Fidel Gomez was big in defence and a brace of Sbai stops helped the team.

More Gomez defence, supported by Jardim, plus assists from Sbai, helped Ponder and Carter stroke trebles as Rockets pulled away, taking the final period 26-15 to secure the victory.

Top points scorers were Ponder (34), Hooper (27) and Carter (17).

The victory meant Rockets avoided their worst start to a National Basketball League Division One campaign and they will be hoping to take that momentum into a crucial league and cup double header this weekend.

Garces’ men host Leicester Warriors at Bohunt School in Arborfield this Saturday (6pm tip-off) then travel to  Division Two side Kent Crusaders in the National Cup quarter final on Sunday (2pm t-o).

Garces said: “After the Essex win I feel we have taken one step forward, but now we immediately focus on this next weekend.”

Meanwhile, new Rockets signing Elvisi Dusha could make his debut this weekend.

The Great Britain point guard had been with BBL Championship side Surrey Scorchers before a summer move to Kosovo to play for Sigal Prishtina.

However, he joined Rockets last week after centre Dani Arcau’s departure and said: “I am really happy to join a club that has a great history, great coaches and great players and a project that really excites me. I can’t wait to get started and really contribute in our quest to win silverware.”