READING ROCKETS made it three wins on the spin with an impressive victory at title-chasing Loughborough.
Reading seem to have put their mid-season struggles behind them as they head towards the play-offs, boosting their record to 11-7 with the tightest of wins in the Midlands.
The game lacked quality in spells but good points hauls from Danny Carter (15), Sydney Donaldson (14) and Tim Gill (14) helped secure a tight 69-68 victory.
“It was really important for us to get the win and we are really pleased we managed to do this,” said head coach Manuel Pena Garces.
“But we know the performance could have been better and it is important to review and reflect on this to be ready the next time we compete.
“We have made significant improvements in the last month and I am really happy with how the players have responded to the challenges so now we just need to re-align slightly and get back on track ahead of this weekend.”
Loughborough were quick out of the blocks with a 6-0 run, but a pair of Carter trebles helped reduce the arrears to 11-13.
Good defending from Jonny Foulds set up another attack with Scotty Hendricks draining a treble and two from the free throw line.
Level at 18-18 heading into the second period, Reading powered six points clear, but the Riders stayed well in the hunt with the hosts just two points down at 33-35 at the half-time break.
An opening 9-2 blitz at the start of the third gave Loughborough the edge before Hendricks was forced off the court for treatment after a heavy fall.
Heading into the fourth, Rockets trailed 50-57, but they produced a fine final stanza to turn the game around.
A crucial Carter treble got the ball rolling before free throw scores from Declan Soukup and Donaldson and a Hendricks three-pointer levelled the scores at 67-67 with 100 seconds to play.
And two late free throws from talisman Gill clinched a narrow win.
Reading return to action on Saturday, hosting Kent Crusaders (8-10), but the game has been moved from Bohunt School to John Madejski Academy with a 5.30pm tip time.
“Kent have competed well in the league so far this season and are on the edge of the play-off positions so will be wanting to win as many games as possible heading into the final part of the regular season,” said Pena Garces.
“They are a young and well-coached team.
“However, I am confident in this group of players and with one or two adjustments this week we will be ready to face what is thrown at us and give our best on game day.”
Ed Potter will return to the side while Inigo Perez Baena faces a late fitness test for a suspected broken nose.