READING Rockets (10-7) secured an 84-72 victory over Team Northumbria (12-5) on Saturday to record back-to-back victories ahead of this Sunday’s visit to NBL Division One high-fliers Loughborough Student Riders (13-3).

Manuel Pena Garces' men will be looking to gain revenge for their 71-61 defeat back in November, and the Spaniard was delighted following the performance against Team Northumbria.

He said: “It was really important to get the win against one of the in-form teams in the league and to do that with the performance we showed was very satisfying.

"We have been working very hard over the past couple of weeks to improve our discipline and our intent to do things and I felt that showed in abundance and the players delivered a positive performance.

"There is a lot more for us to do because this is only one game, so now we have to continue to practise well and transfer that into the upcoming games, starting against Loughborough.”

He continued: “Coach Mark (Jarram, Loughborough Student Riders Head Coach) has done a fantastic job with his young team this year and I really like the way they play and the young talent they have.

"They beat us in the home game when we were in a difficult moment and to be honest outplayed us so this game comes at a good time when we are performing better and another tough opponent awaits us.

"Loughborough are still competing for the league title and having lost to Team Solent last weekend they will be wanting to bounce straight back. It is our job to not let that happen by preparing well and continuing with our very positive performances.”

Rockets go into Sunday’s match without 22-year-old Ed Potter, who has been impressing of late.

The 6ft 3in guard will be absent from the team for the next week, but will be back in action for the visit of Kent Crusaders the following weekend.

American Tim Gill suffered a freak hand injury last week, but was able to play in the win against Team Northumbria – he should be fully fit for this Sunday’s trip to the Midlands.

His fellow countryman Scotty Hendricks was also touch-and-go for last weekend through illness but the 5’10 guard recovered in time and is fully recovered ahead of this weekend’s game.

The Reading coaching staff will make a late decision on who will fill the vacant spot left by Ed Potter this weekend with Under 18 Adrian Nosa Castillo and Charles Acquah-Davis in contention.