McLaughlin-Williams starred with 22 points, nine assists and three steals

Bristol Flyers reached the semi finals of the National Cup for the very first time as they knocked out holders Reading Rockets 84-80.

Bristol led 21-18 at the end of the first period but the Rockets fought back to level the scores at 39 points each at the interval.

The third period went the Rockets way as they build a nine point lead.

But Bristol, with a fine fourth period defensive display and sharp shooting, pulled away for a four point win.

Douglas McLaughlin-Williams proved to be the difference between the teams, finishing with 22 points, nine assists and three steals.

He was one of the four Flyers in double figures, with Greg Streete adding 17, Rob Loftman 16 and Davis Bowne 14.

"It's a great achievement for our club and Bristol basketball to reach the National Cup semi," said Flyers coach Andreas Kapoulas.

"Now we have a great opportunity to get to the final as the draw has given us a home game versus Derby on the 13th December.

"We talked a lot this past week about toughness and execution. The team responded really well," he added.

"Even though things did not always go well, the guys stuck together and kept on playing."

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