READING Rockets used an impressive third-quarter performance to pull away from the visiting Barking Abbey Crusaders as they returned to winning ways with a 94-75 NBL Division One victory on Sunday.

A tight game early on saw the Rockets edge ahead, leading by 10 in the second quarter before heading into the half-time break up by six points at 42-36.

Rockets put on the after-burners in the third quarter as they extended their lead out to 17, scoring 29 points in the quarter, before seeing the game out with a solid fourth-period showing.

In what became a routine win for Reading, going away from their opposition, they improved to 5-3 on the season, while the Crusaders drop to 3-6.

Rockets captain Danny Carter put in one of his best performances of the season to lead Reading with 28 points, six rebounds and five assists, while AJ Carr supported with 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Young academy guard David Chive came off the bench to add 13 points and two assists, while Trae Pemberton chipped in a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Barking Abbey effort was a balanced one, as the Crusaders saw five players hit double figures.

Captain Ade Adebayo led with 17 points and four rebounds, while Nathaniel Powell had 13 points and four rebounds.

Robin Bedford came off the bench to add 12 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Chris Feeney and Theo Hughes contributed 10 points apiece.

Sixth-placed Reading Rockets travel to Nottingham Hoods (5-4) this Saturday (7.30pm), with the hosts sitting one place below Alan Keane's men in the table.