British Championship Basketball Playoff Final Recap
7 May 2026
Newcastle Knights finished the British Championship Basketball season in style, defeating Reading Rockets 93–83 at Leeds Beckett Arena to become BCB Playoff champions.
In a matchup between two of the league’s strongest sides, the final delivered exactly what the occasion promised. Reading entered the game as league champions and had the chance to complete a double, while Newcastle came in looking to end their season with silverware and make a statement after their regular-season battles with the Rockets.
The season series was split 1–1 heading into the final, setting the stage for a fascinating matchup between two sides who had already shown how competitive this fixture could be.
Their first meeting came on 14 December, with Newcastle edging a tight contest 95–93. Reading responded later in the season on 21 March, producing a dominant 112–71 win to level the series in emphatic fashion.
For the playoff final, that history added another layer to the occasion: Newcastle had already proven they could win a close one, while Reading had shown they were capable of taking complete control.
For most of the game, there was very little to separate the teams. Reading had strong spells, Newcastle answered with runs of their own, and by the end of the third quarter the game was locked at 68–68. It set up a winner-takes-all fourth quarter, and that is where the Knights took control.
Newcastle produced their best basketball when it mattered most, winning the final period 25–15 to turn a tied game into a double-digit championship victory. Their fourth-quarter execution, defensive energy and control on the glass proved to be the difference as Reading struggled to keep pace down the stretch.
Sam Trunley was the headline performer for the Knights, putting up 30 points on 11-of-22 shooting in just 29 minutes to earn Finals MVP honours. Even after suffering an ankle knock in the fourth quarter, he continued to make his presence felt in a huge individual performance on the biggest stage.
Messiah Jones was just as important in Newcastle’s win, delivering a monster all-around performance with 18 points, 20 rebounds, six assists, three steals and three blocks. His impact went far beyond scoring, giving the Knights a dominant presence on the boards, a defensive anchor, and another playmaking outlet when the game tightened up.
Bradley Dean also added 20 points, giving Newcastle another reliable scoring threat and helping keep pressure on Reading’s defence throughout the final.
Reading had standout moments themselves. Victor Olarerin led the Rockets with 25 points, including a fast start in the opening quarter, while Jax Bouknight added 20. JaRon Thames, recently named BCB Player of the Year, played the full 40 minutes and contributed 14 points, seven rebounds and three steals.
The game remained within reach late, but Newcastle’s energy, rebounding and execution down the stretch made the difference. Theo Riley’s two-handed dunk inside the final minute put the finishing touch on the performance, pushing the Knights clear and all but sealing the title.
For Reading, it ends a brilliant campaign that already included the league championship. But on playoff final day, Newcastle were the team who delivered when the pressure was highest.
With three major BCB trophies shared across three different teams this season, the final was a fitting end to a competitive year and a strong sign of how tight the top of the league has become.
Final Score: Newcastle Knights 93–83 Reading Rockets
Finals MVP: Sam Trunley
Venue: Leeds Beckett Arena
Date: Sunday, 3 May 2026
Photo Credit - kz_captured_moments