Reading Rockets Finish Perfect Season
Reading Rockets completed a perfect regular season with two hard-fought home victories over the weekend. Dave Titmuss’ side survived a scare against Coventry Crusaders before beating them 85-82 on Saturday, and it took a strong fourth period to defeat London Leopards 98-85 the following evening. Former USA Select player, Terell Smith scored 57 points to ensure the victory.
Saturday’s statistics show how evenly matched it was, both teams having 38 rebounds each, Coventry edging the points in the paint 54 to 52 as well as points off the bench by 22 to 20. Crusaders’ coach Scott Neely must have been delighted with his team’s performance against a Rockets team who’ve beaten everyone in all competitions. But this was a game when Coventry shot out of the blocks, kept up the tempo, skill and clinical finishing to truly disturb Rockets. The first quarter was immensely competitive with both teams scoring well and each showing defensive frailties. Terell Smith was clearly up for this game hitting his first shot, with his fellow American compatriot Ryan Lohfink making a three point play as he scored the bonus point from the line having been fouled in the act of scoring.