READING Rockets (13-10) will be looking to bounce back from last Sunday’s high-scoring defeat at the hands of Hemel Storm (10-13) when they travel to Loughborough Riders (15-7) on Saturday evening (6pm) before hosting Team Newcastle (6-17) on Sunday afternoon (5pm) at Rivermead Leisure Complex.

The Reading outfit succumbed to their 10th league defeat of the season losing 121-116 at Hemel Storm, but take on two teams they have beaten in the league this season.

Alan Keane's men beat Riders 101-86 just before the Christmas break and defeated Sunday’s visitors 112-105 last month in Newcastle after overtime.

Rockets did, however, lose to Loughborough in the National Trophy semi-final in January, suffering a 91-66 home defeat.

Reading head coach Keane is looking forward to next weekend’s double-header as the regular season draws to a close, but knows his team will face two tough encounters.

He said: "Coming off a very high-scoring loss and heading into the double header, we feel if we can lock into to what we plan to deliver defensively then we can beat any team in this league.

"However it is not that simple. Loughborough, who we split two games with already, will be a handful to defend as they have threats in multiple positions.

"It took us to overtime to get over the line against Newcastle, and we are very aware of both teams strengths and weaknesses.

"It is a matter of us needing to execute the game plan to its full extent.”

Rockets have a fully-fit roster, but are likely to be without the services of captain Danny Carter for one of the games.

With the 30-year-old retiring at the end of the season and managing an on going back complaint, the 6ft 9in forward is unable to play back-to-back games so Keane will manage this accordingly.

With only three games remaining, it is feasible sixth-placed Reading could finish anywhere between third and 10th in the NBL Division One table, but wins this weekend will guarantee a play-off spot.