READING Rockets are targeting a first piece of silverware in two years when they take on treble winners Manchester Magic in the NBL Division One play-off final on Sunday, writes Richard Ashton.

Manuel Pena Garces’s men will be looking to repeat their success of last month when they take on the all-conquering Magic at Basketball England’s newest venue, Belle Vue (4pm).

Rockets managed to beat the Magic for the first time this season four weeks ago when they were victorious 89-83, however this was after the North West outfit had secured the league title to add to the National Trophy and National Cup crowns.

In the previous two games, Magic had come out on top before the Christmas break securing a 93-82 win at Rivermead Leisure Complex in league play before claiming National Trophy glory as they cruised to a 92-61 victory.

They remain on course for the quadruple, a feat not achieved since the Rockets’ unbeaten season of 2008/2009.

Rockets reached the play-off final having finished third in the NBL Division One table and beat Essex Leopards in the quarter-finals thanks to a 40 point final quarter as they won 102-84 to set up a trip to Derby Trailblazers in the semi-final.

After a late scare in which the home team made up a 15-point third quarter deficit, the Berkshire outfit made their second final of the season thanks to a 72-69 scoreline in their favour.

Magic eased past the eighth-placed team, London Lituanica, 71-55 in the last eight before crushing Team Northumbria 77-45.

Pena Garces (pictured) is delighted to reach the final, and although his team may be seen as the underdogs, he is quietly confident they can pull off an upset.

The Spanish play-caller, who has reached his sixth final in three seasons, said: “I am really happy for my players, staff, supporters, and the club that we have been able to reach another final and rest assured we have been working so hard to prepare for this game.

“We have had a really tough season behind the scenes but we have kept working on and off the court to be better and put ourselves in a position to win the final piece of silverware on offer this season. I feel we are in a really good moment and we are ready to take on the big challenge that is Manchester.”

He continued: “Magic have done so well this season, claiming all three trophies so far, and being one of the best teams.

“They have some great players and coach Paul (Middleton) has nurtured them over the last couple of years into a formidable team. Any number of players can cause problems and this is something that bit by bit we have prepared for and will be ready for on Sunday.

“Despite their weapons and the previous results, we believe we can win this game but it will take a lot of effort and execution on the day itself and if we can be focused and disciplined in the difficult moments and draw on all of our experiences from this season then I think we will be in a really good position.

“I am really looking forward to the game as it should be a great spectacle with some great basketball played. I am just hoping that on Sunday it will be our day because we deserve this.”

Rockets go into the monumental occasion with a fully fit squad.