Rebels fight hard on the road against Nottingham

The Rebels took to the road this weekend to face the Nottingham Wildcats in a league clash. Both teams are establishing their footing around mid-table, looking to gain some momentum in the second half of the season.  Besides the trip, the Rebels had to deal with a series of current injuries and the international window leaving them with only seven players suited for the game. 

The first thirty minutes of the game seemed to have the home team with victory well in hand, as they gained a double-digit lead and were able to hold off any Rebel runs attempting to close the gap. However, the last ten minutes were action packed as Essex made some big shots and stops to get the game to within 1 point with 11 seconds left. A strategic foul to regain possession saw Nottingham capitalise on two free throws to go up 3 with 3 seconds left in the game. Despite a last second heave from the Rebels, the Wildcats were able to hold onto the win on their home floor 81-78. 

Head coach Tim Sadler had this to say after the performance, “we did just enough to stay in the game until the very end, but we won’t be able to do that consistently committing 20 turnovers like we had tonight. We need to value the ball and find the focus needed for forty minutes to do the little things that make a big difference. Boxing out, running our sets, playing tough team defence…after a tough few weeks with injuries and players unavailable to play, we need to learn from this and keep building.” 

Rebels Top Performers

Lu Costa – 29 points, 14 rebounds 

Angel Waithe – 16 points, 7rebounds

Dre Kohlhaas – 16 points

Wildcats Top Performers

B. Pannell – 20 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals

P. Egharevba – 16 points, 8 rebounds 

I. Whittington – 11 points, 10 rebounds

J. Gyles – 14 points