READING Rockets (1-0) will be looking to build on Sunday’s narrow win against Team Newcastle University (0-1) when they take on Hemel Storm (0-0) in NBL Division One on Saturday afternoon (5pm tip-off at Bohunt School).

They then enter the National Cup for the first time this season at the third round stage when they travel to London to take on Lithuanian outfit BC Medelynas on Sunday afternoon.

The Reading team performed well as they recorded a nail-biting 72-68 win on the road last Sunday, missing the services of captain Danny Carter who has been side-lined through injury.

Hemel Storm have split their opening National Trophy games, beating Leicester Warriors, but losing out to Loughborough Student Riders, while National Cup opposition BC Medelynas have had wins in rounds one and two against Oxford Steelers and Swindon Shock respectively and have also been victorious in their opening league game in Division Four.

The winners of the tie will go through to the fourth round to host either Division Four outfit Cardiff City or Division One rivals Worthing Thunder.

Rockets head coach Manuel Peña Garcés was pleased his side managed to chalk up their first league win last Sunday, stating: "It was a good opening one for us after a long journey and against a new team in the league hungry to impress, so to come away with a decent performance and a win despite DC (Danny Carter) not playing is a positive for us.

"We will review this game because we were in control for many parts and then let it slip, but then attention will move on to this weekend’s match-ups in Hemel and BC Medelynas, where both will provide us with different challenges.”

Rockets go into their two-game weekend uncertain if Carter will return to action.

The 6ft 9in forward has a groin and hip injury and was not even allowed to travel to Newcastle last weekend.

However, Reading are expected to have a fully-fit roster with the exception of their skipper.