Rebels Defend Home Court Against Barking

Essex Rebels D1 men hosted Barking Abbey in their 3rd league game of the season and came out with the home win. The Rebels had a slow start but ramped up the pressure in the later parts of the game to win 90 to 68.

Essex struggled early on to convert in the half court which allowed Barking to grab the defensive boards and score in transition. Barking kept mixing up their defensive schemes which stunted the home sides offensive flow. Going into half time Essex began to shift up a gear and convert some of their outside shooting.

After half time, the Rebels stepped up their defensive pressure and intensity, causing Barking to turn over the ball and allowing Essex to get some easy scores on the fast break. The game finished with Essex controlling the pace In front of another great crowd at the Essex Sport Arena.

Victor Olarerin top scored for the Rebels with 27 points whilst Ebuka Ekwegh pitched in with 20 points off the bench.

Head Coach Ross Norfolk was happy with the team’s performance,

“A good solid team performance by us this weekend. A slow start initially but the team stuck with the game plan and some minor adjustments allowed us to gain control of the game”.

The Rebels have a weekend off this week, but resume to play with a road trip to Bradford Dragons on the 4th November and host Thames Valley Cavaliers at Home on the 11th November.