D2 Milton Keynes set National Cup Final clash with Reading

Credit: MK Breakers

NBL Division 2 side Milton Keynes breakers have booked their spot in the National Cup Final to face perennial Division 1 power Reading Rockets later this month in Manchester.

The Breakers have knocked away multiple Division 1 teams in their fairytale run to the final, beating Loughborough and then Worthing in the quarters, before securing a 3 point victory, 83-80, over last year’s finalists Derby Trail Blazers on Sunday in the semis.

Jordan Spencer had 19 points, five rebounds and six assists, new signing Nathan Robinson had 18 points while Chris Tawiah had a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double to lead Milton Keynes to the final.

They go a step further than last year, where they were eliminated in the Semi-Finals by eventual winners, Hemel Storm.

“It was a brilliant game against a tough and well coached Derby side,” Head Coach Billy Beddow commented.

“We knew it was a battle but after the defeat in the semi final of the National Cup last year, this was one if our goals for the season.

“It’s a historic win for the club, one that required a lot from the players and also the club and coaching staff in preparation. We are really excited to head to Manchester for the final and we hope all of #BreakerNation come along to support us!”

Meanwhile, Reading Rockets put an end to Essex Rebels’ hope of a National Cup final debut with a 93-88 victory behind a 32-point outing from American Jermiah Jenkins and 20 and nine assists from Australian Mitch Clarke.

The Rockets return to the Cup Final for the first time since 2020, but will look for their first Cup title since 2014 when they defeated Newham Neptunes in Worcester.

“It’s a great to be in the final,” Reading Head Coach Samit Nazurade commented after the game.

“It was a good win considering the circumstances, we didn’t have Lewis (Champion) our captain there through personal circumstances. Nevertheless, everyone came we through.

“We started really badly, made a lot of mistakes on the scout in the first quarter, but slowly got ourselves back into it. All credit to Essex, they’re a great team, well coached, fought really hard, and made it incredibly hard for us until the last seconds.

“Delighted for the club and the organisation that we’re in the final!”

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