READING Rockets (8-5) will be looking to bounce back from two consecutive defeats for the first time this season when they make the journey to Southampton on Sunday afternoon (3pm tip-off) to take on current NBL Division One leaders Team Solent Kestrels (10-3).

Rockets suffered their second defeat on the spin as they lost a close encounter 88-81 to Hemel Storm (8-5) last Saturday to drop to sixth in the table, but still amongst the chasing pack.

This Sunday’s opponents snapped their six-game winning streak when they lost to reigning champions Team Northumbria 86-65 last weekend, but they remain top of the pile and undefeated against the Rockets in the two games already this season.

Kestrels were victorious in the National Trophy back in September when they took a 93-78 away win before defeating the Rivermead outfit in the National Cup 89-67.

Rockets head coach Manuel Peña Garcés was not too despondent after Saturday’s loss to Hemel Storm and was pleased with an improved performance from his team, stating: "We put in a better performance and in parts of the game played some great basketball.

"We are really pleased with these elements and must build on this going forward. A few areas still remain a concern in terms of our fourth-quarter play, but I am confident we can address these quickly and take forward the very positive parts we are seeing.”

He continued: “This Sunday we have an opportunity to do this against one of the best teams in the league.

"Solent has done a really good job building a deep roster over the last two seasons and are now really competitive and currently the team to beat.

"They have talent and cover at every position, but are not unbeatable as Northumbria showed last weekend. We will be ready to play a tough game whilst making sure our intent and communication is at its best in what will be an awesome challenge for us.”

Rockets will be bolstered by the return of captain Danny Carter and they should have a fully-fit roster to choose from.