Soukup helps Rockets edge past Leicester
Reading Rockets 75 Leicester Warriors 70
DECLAN SOUKUP top scored on 19 points as Reading edged past Leicester to keep themselves in contention in the final home game of 2017.
In a physically demanding encounter at Rivermead, Tim Gill stormed out of the blocks by scoring all of Rockets first 10 points as the hosts moved 10-5 ahead.
Warriors were battling hard and an 8-0 run in the second quarter saw them lead 20-17 and then 22-19 before the foul count mounted on both sides.
A big treble from Soukup was quickly matched as the hosts struggled to close the gap, but they did level at 34-34 going into halftime.
A 25-15 third period from Rockets opened up a healthy lead with
Jonny Foulds imposing himself on the contest while Ali Sbai also hit two trebles.
But fourth quarter jitters gave Leicester hope again, levelling the game at 64-64 with just over four minutes remaining.
A magnificent Foulds treble swung the momentum back in Reading’s favour and they pulled clear to win 75-70 and extend their record to 7-2.
“I thought we played well in parts but it was one of those games where we had to really dig deep to come out with a positive result,” said Rockets head coach Manuel Pena Garces.
“I felt we did that at times which is a good step for us considering the ending we have had in recent games.
“We need to be better with the quality we deliver and be more consistent in the way we do so and that is something that will be key for us after the Christmas break.”
It’s another one-game weekend ahead with the final game of the year as Rockets travel to take on Bradford Dragons (3-6) on Saturday.
“Overall I am pleased with where we are to date,” said Pena Garces.
“We have had some ups and downs so far this year but this has provided us all with some positive learning and the necessity to keep working and building throughout the season.
“Our aim is to keep doing this and making sure we leave no stone unturned as we continue to apply pressure at the top of the division, a place where we would like to be at the end of this season.”
Rockets top scorers: Soukup 19, Foulds 13, Gill 13.