ROCKETS SUFFER NARROW LOSS TO DEFENDING CHAMPIONS KESTRELS

Team Solent Kestrels 69 Reading Rockets 64

THE ROCKETS tipped off the league season with a narrow defeat to defending champions Solent Kestrels.

Despite controlling the tip through new signing Meshack Lufile, the Rockets struggled from the field early.

The Kestrels built a 4-0 lead through the first couple minutes of play as the Rockets missed their first six shots, but a timely Jaz Bains treble ensured the Rockets got on the board before the Kestrels could start to pull away.

Although the Rockets were down nine late in the quarter, buckets from Tyler Cartaino and youngster Kivuvu Live ensured that the first period ended with the Rockets at a manageable six-point deficit at 14-20.

Trading in the volume of trebles they shot in the first period for more driving layups and pull-up mid-rangers, the Rockets began to find some rhythm and played some great team basketball, with their first four buckets of the period all coming from different players.

Rockets went into half-time leading the defending champs by two after holding them to just 11 points in a dominant second quarter performance and a 33-31 advantage.

The third quarter passed with neither side giving an inch.

A Cole Gentry three in the final minute of the quarter seemed set to give the Kestrels a five-point cushion entering the final period, but Jaz Bains showed great focus to reply with a three of his own to keep it a one-score game at 52-50 in Kestrels favour.

Meshack recorded back-toback blocks at the top of the fourth, stifling what looked to be a promising period for the

Kestrels after they had knocked down another three to open up the quarter.

A six-minute drought in which the Rockets failed to register a field goal was put to rest by Meshack after two strong moves inside on backto-back plays.

but the Rockets were still left seven down with only three minutes to play after a tough, defensive fourth period from both sides.

More inside pressure proved productive and Sam Toluwase used his cool veteran savvy to score and assist the relentless Meshack in the final two minutes.

Relying on missed free throws, Sam Toluwase sent another Kestrel to the line.

They split the pair, putting the Rockets down five with too little time for what would have been a truly remarkable comeback.

Rockets host Leicester Warriors on Sunday in their next league fixture.