Match Report: Hoods 70 - 101 Rockets

Back at home, the Nottingham Hoods faced a tough challenge against an unbeaten Reading Rockets side. Despite a strong start from the Hoods, the Rockets discipline and efficiency ultimately saw them take a 101-70 victory.

The Hoods opened the first quarter with real intensity, sparked by early 3 pointers from S. Akano and T. Williams. Their energy on both ends of the court helped build an 8-point lead with three minutes left in the quarter. However, sharp shooting by S. Chamberlain and strong inside play from M. Bryant and V. Olarerin resulted in a 16-0 Rockets run, leaving Nottingham trailing by 8 at the end of the first. 

Reading carried their momentum straight into the second quarter, quickly extending their lead to 15 points. The Hoods responded well with inside finishing from T. Williams and S. Akano and mid range shooting from M. Savery-Richards, which helped to steady the ship. Still Reading had clearly found their rhythm, scoring from all areas of the floor. At halftime the score was Hoods 36 - Rockets 49, leaving Nottingham very much in the game but with work still to do.

After the half time break, the Hoods struggled to regain the intensity they had to start the game. Reading’s disciplined ball movement and sharp shooting, led by S. Chamberlain, extended their lead to 20 points within the first 5 minutes of the quarter. The Hoods scoring had really slowed down and their opponents continued to constituently keep scoring, stretching their lead out to 31 points by the end of the third. This remained the difference throughout the 4th quarter despite continued effort from the home side.

The Hoods will look to regroup and bounce back in next Friday’s home game against the Bristol Hurricanes.