READING Rockets (5-1) will look to put the disappointment of their National Cup exit by Team Solent Kestrels last Sunday behind them when they face another double header this weekend in NBL Division One.

They face fellow high-fliers Loughborough Student Riders (5-1) on Saturday (5pm tip-off) at Bohunt School, before travelling to Barking on Sunday (4pm) to face eighth-placed Kent Crusaders (3-4).

Rockets extended their good league run last Saturday when they won 92-76 at Derby Trailblazers, moving them up to third in the table with five wins from six games. They are one of four teams locked on 10 points, two behind leaders Hemel Storm.

Tim Gill took the individual honours with 24 points and 17 rebounds. He was well supported by Sydney Donaldson with 17 points and five assists, Scotty Hendricks 14-11 and Ali Sbai with 14 points.

Rockets did not arrive home from Derby until the early hours of Sunday morning, so it was no surprise they tired quickly during the afternoon’s National Cup tie and were beaten 89-67 by Team Solent.

Their top scorers were Hendricks with 21 points, followed by Sbai with 16 and Tim Gill 12.

Rockets head coach Manuel Peña Garcés said: “We put in a really positive performance against Derby and came away with a very important win, but on Sunday we really did not perform. Solent exploited us and deserved to advance to the semi-finals.”

He added: “In the league, we are in a very healthy position and have more opportunities this weekend to play better against two good teams.

“Loughborough have become one of the teams to beat in this division. But they are coming to our home court, where we have been very good so far and we are looking for a response after Sunday’s performance.

“Crusaders are another well coached team that has young talent ready to compete. It’s a time for hard work, but a time to also enjoy what we are doing.”

Rockets go into this weekend with some injury concerns.

Point guard Hendricks injured his ankle against Derby and despite playing against Solent, it will be touch and go as to whether he is fit in time for Saturday.

Fellow American Gill has a back problem, but Rockets are hopeful it is nothing serious and expect the 23-year-old to be fit for this weekend.

Australian Declan Soukup is expected to return to the fold after missing last weekend through illness, along with Under 18 Adrian Nosa Castillo who was also out with a sickness bug.