Reading Rockets put on arguably their best performance of the season as they overcame league leaders and title favourites Derby Trailblazers.
The visitors won the Kitking Trophy just 10 days before and defeated Rockets in Derby less than six weeks before by 99-81.
Trailblazers troubled the scorers first from the free throw line where they went 25 times compared to only 16 for Rockets but Rockets team basketball began immediately giving Elijah Maynard his first points.
Captain Lewis Champion made the first of his four assists to Chris Alexander before another great team play saw Mitch Clarke finish.
When Jermiah Jenkins stroked the first of his five trebles Rockets had a double digit lead of 18-7.
Title chasing Trailblazers edged the second period 24-20, but Rockets still went to the interval 46-35 ahead thanks mainly to determined defence and fast passing of the ball around the key, coupled to five steals.
Reis Pinnock again showed his value to the team with his speed to interrupt Trailblazers advances, assists and steals whilst Clarke was everywhere controlling the team momentum and finishing well.
Rockets maintained their influences at both ends of the court as Trailblazers captain Malcolm Smith, Corey Johnson and Sam Maslen tried to take control.
Another 25-22 quarter gave the hosts a 71-57 advantage going into the final stanza as Maynard lit up the court with a brace of trebles. Pinnock made an excellent tip in and the supper team ball gave Rockets the continued edge.
The deficit was just four points midway through the quarter at 80-76 and then the scores were level on 80 apiece.
Then Trailblazers stroked a treble to take the lead with less than 4 minutes on the clock.
Maynard scored with a drive and then Jenkins imposed himself with 4 trebles including one when he was fouled in shooting and hit the free throw for a rare four point play.
Trailblazers and their supporters were shocked and adrift at 97-90 into the final minute. They made a three point play but fouled Jenkins twice and he sealed the deserved victory with four from four from the free throw line to complete a game that will last long in the memories who were there to see it.
Rockets now head to their last league game on Sunday tipping at 4 pm with a certain place in the play-off Championship but hoping to secure a home tie the following weekend.
