READING Rockets (20-6) will take on sixth-placed Team Solent Kestrels (15-10, one game voided) this Sunday at Rivermead Leisure Complex in the NBL Division One play-off quarter finals (5pm tip-off).

Rockets ended the league season with a narrow 75-71 defeat to runners-up Manchester Magic, meaning they finished in third place in the division for the second consecutive season.

The winners will advance to the semi-finals and an away trip to either Manchester Magic (21-5) or Bradford Dragons (14-12).

Rockets are currently undefeated against Sunday’s opponents having claimed victory in the National Trophy pool stages way back in October with a 79-65 scoreline.

Manuel Peña Garcés’ men – who have lost only once in the last eight in the past five years – were also triumphant in league play, defeating the Kestrels 101-79 at home in mid-December before battling to an 88-81 away win in February.

Head coach Peña Garcés said: “The last couple of games have been difficult for us and we are a little disappointed not to have been champions or finish runners-up but we cannot dwell on this.

"If anything, these losses have provided us with a lot of learning and I think the response we saw in the second half against Manchester and in the preparation we have done this week shows we have taken another step and we will be a challenge for any team in the play-offs.

“I was really pleased with our fight and determination against Manchester and after being 17 down, to be within one lay-up of tying the game late on after battling so hard, I am pleased and confident we know what we have to do this weekend and hopefully in another two games.

“This, however, is going to be tough. It is a ‘one-and-done’ game and we know that Team Solent, after an impressive first season in Division One, will be really ready to challenge us. They possess many dangers we will need to study and prepare for.

“This week has been about continuing our fight and determination and being committed to what we are doing through sacrifice, discipline, and humility. I am proud of this group and I hope we get what we deserve and make the semi-finals.”

Rockets will be without shooting guard Joel Keeble (broken wrist) as well as Under-19 Ibu Jassey Demba (hand), and will give late fitness tests to Fidel Gomez De Enterria Lopez and Bikram Rana.