SOLENT Stars have nudged into an English Basketball League Division 1 play-off place for the first time this season after last weekend's magnificent 98-89 point win at Coventry Crusaders.

Important away games against close rivals PAWS London Capitals and Essex Leopards lie ahead in the next few weeks, but attention tonight turns to local rivals Reading Rockets at Fleming Park, 8pm.

Reading are lying fifth in the league, but have games in hand thanks to their National Cup run which ended on a glorious note two weeks ago.

However, they have recently lost the services of their experienced coach Mark Dunning, leaving player Matt Johnson in charge for last week's visit to Essex Leopards, where he recorded his first win as a coach, 91-78.

Solent, with three straight wins in the bag, are buzzing right now and their two Americans, Marlin Capers and Larry Parker, are in hot scoring form, plundering 74 points between them at Coventry.

But no other player has reached double figures in the last two matches and, according to concerned coach Alan Cunningham, the points need to be shared around more.

"We need everyone to be looking to shoot when freed up to do so," said Cunningham, who nevertheless recognises the important role being played by all his players in the recent run of three straight league wins on the trot.

The teams last met in pre-season in the Southern Invitation Cup. Reading won on aggregate but Solent scored one victory and know they can give a good account of themselves against the Berkshire side.

Prior to tonight's main game, second team coach Mick Byrne faces his most important league assignment of the season against Westside (6pm) in Division 3 East.

Westside are the only team to have beaten Solent in a very close encounter in London earlier in the campaign.

Team captain Jon Rumsey took a very heavy blow to his arm in last Saturday's 76-75 win at London Eagles, but should be fit for the game.

Having lost several of his squad recently, coach Byrne is looking to add to the team ahead of the January 31 transfer deadline.

Solent's experienced players are all available for the game, including influential guard Ryan Payne and leading scorers Andy Aung and Clayton Milner.

A Solent win would displace Westside from pole position and take Solent back to the summit.