Assistant coach Neil McElduff has insisted Thunder were right to put Paul Mundy-Castle on the bench.

The inspirational point guard came on to hit 33 points and help his side scrape past Reading 104-101 in overtime having trailed for almost 40 minutes.

Mundy-Castle was ejected from the win over Teesside the previous week and Thunder's coaches were keen to show faith in the men who clinched that victory in his absence.

McElduff said: "It was a tough call but he responded well and had one of his best games of the season. He shot a very good percentage and was probably the guy who brought us back into the game.

"When he wants to play he is a tremendous athlete and he has got all the skills needed, provided he keeps his focus on the game.

"He's clearly a key player for us but the other guys did so well against Teesside. I think the right decision was made."

Thunder trailed by 17 at half-time and 21 with seven minutes to go but dragged themselves level at 88-88 as key home big man John Hodds fouled out.

The visitors took charge in the extra period and returned reasonable shooting figures, hitting 60 per cent from the field.

Mundy-Castle only attempted two three-pointers, hitting both, while Sean Hampton made 11 of 13 inside the arc in a haul of 30 points.

Hampton had 13 boards and Gaylon Moore's vital game time statistics were 20 and eight.

McElduff was, however, disappointed to see Thunder turn over possession 32 times.

Thunder were at Manchester tonight and return home next Saturday when mid-table Kingston visit (8pm).