ROCKETS BEAT THUNDER IN FIRST-EVER BCB TROPHY GAME

Victor Olarerin starred for Reading Rockets as they beat Worthing Thunder 103-87 in
the inaugural BCB Trophy game in front of a sell-out crowd at Loddon Valley on
Sunday.

Olarerin went 6-for-10 from three-point land as the Londoner exploded for 36 points,
as well as dishing out 4 rebounds and 4 assists against a short-handed Worthing
side.

He was supported by American Malik Bryant, who posted 22 points on his home
debut, with veteran Lewis Champion adding 14 on 5-for-6 shooting.

But, despite the win, Reading didn’t get off to the most promising of starts, as
Thunder started strongly, establishing an early 13-point lead before settling for a 31-
20 lead after the first.

Then a 21-4 run to start the second propelled Reading into an eventual double-digit
lead that they never relinquished.

The Rockets will look to maintain their good start to the first-ever BCB season when
they travel to Essex Rebels on Saturday, September 27.

Despite the loss, Thunder will look to bounce back as the Trophy continues next
Saturday as they entertain Essex Rebels at 7:30pm.

Elijah Maynard matched Olarerin’s total with 36 points to lead Thunder, with Justin
Hopkins adding 22, playing against his former club for the first time.
Worthing, however, was hampered by the absence of Malachi Boakye-Yiadom
(personal) and Jonathan Lashley (personal).