Worthing Thunder have tough end to year against Reading and Milton Keynes

Reading Rockets were in town for a league clash and Thunder crashed to a 63-87 defeat.

A very good Rockets side outplayed the home side with only three players in double figures.

With the visit of Milton Keynes Breakers to come 24 hours later in the National Cupm it looked worrying. But the next day the crowd saw a spectacular game of basketball.

Milton Keynes have high hopes of Division 1 basketball next season and stand second in Division 2.

But Thunder took the game to the visitors and led at the end of each of the first three quarters (23-22, 51-50 and 76-70).

Thunder were magnificent with Zaire Taylor having his best game since coming out of retirement, scoring 24 points and running much of the game.

Ably backed up by Hafeez Abdul (15 points,12 rebounds), Jake (13 points, 8 assists), Daniel Johnson Thompson and Tom Ward (12 points each), Thunder were delivering in one of the best games seen at the Thunderdome for many a season.

Neither side deserved to lose but the visitors took it 94-89 to progress to the next round.

Thunder fans will now look forward to 2024, when they hope league results will improve.

This Saturday sees a visit from promoted City of Birmingham Rockets (7.30pm).

Tickets are selling well so be sure to book yours in advance to make sure of your seat.