Doubleheader Game Preview: Rebels Women vs Nottingham Wildcats | Rebels D3 Men vs Northampton Mavericks
On Saturday 17 February we have another exciting basketball doubleheader at the Essex Sport Arena! Get ready for a day full of fun as the future stars of the game take centre stage in our much-anticipated Junior Takeover!
The day will start with the Essex Rebels Women taking on Nottingham Wildcats in the Women’s British Basketball League at 4pm followed by the NBL D3 Men facing Northampton Mavericks at 6.30pm.
ESSEX REBELS WOMEN VS NOTTINGHAM WILDCATS | WBBL | 4PM TIP-OFF
The Essex Rebels women are back at home for the first time in almost a month. The Betty Codona Trophy runners up will be eager to get back in action as they take on Nottingham Wildcats for the second time this season, having beat them 93-66 at the Wildcats Arena. Undoubtedly, the Wildcats will come ready to seek redemption on Saturday.
WHAT COACH COOKSON HAS TO SAY:
“Nottingham have built some momentum going into 2024 and have pushed a number of teams in close games, we will not be taking them likely. We are excited to get back in front of our home crowd and put in a good performance moving into the business end of the season”
OPPOSITION FOCUS
WHO ARE NOTTINGHAM WILDCATS?
Established in 1976, the Nottingham Wildcats mission is to make basketball accessible to people of all levels. The club has been part of the Women’s British Basketball League since its establishment in 2014 and has been one of the most dominant forces in the early years of the league, finishing top 4 in the first 4 seasons.
FORM
Currently sitting in 8th position, with a 3-7 record, the Wildcats have had a rollercoaster of a season so far in their campaign. However, they have displayed great progress over the course of the season and no doubt will be coming to the Essex Sport Arena ready to leave it all on the court.
LAST TIME OUT
The last time the two teams met in October, the Essex Rebels comfortably secured the win on the road (93-66). Kat Tudor and Dayzsha Rogan led the way for the Rebels in the first game by scoring 28 and 19 points, respectively. For the Wildcats, 5 players scored in double digits with Jessica Wayne being the top scorer with 16 points.
PLAYER TO WATCH
One of the key players to keep an eye for is team captain and leading scorer, with 17.7 ppg (and 9.9 rebounds per game), Mari Stewart. The US Import is a force under the basket having dominated in every game this season for her club and will be someone the Rebels have to control in order to secure the win. Another key player for the visitors is Jessica Wayne averaging 13.7 ppg who had a great game the last time they met.
ESSEX REBELS D3 MEN VS NORTHAMPTON MAVERICKS | NBL DIVISION 3 | 6:30PM TIP-OFF
With a remarkable record of 14-0, our Rebels D3 Men will be taking on Northampton Mavericks in the NBL Division 3 Championship this Saturday. The Mavericks, who are currently sitting at 7th place, will face the Rebels for a second time this season, having lost the first match up 76-102 in early November.
Coming off the back of a tough win against University of East Anglia last weekend, undoubtedly the Rebels will look to set the tone early in this game. Come and see what the hype is all about as your Essex Rebels look to stay unbeaten in the league.
WHAT COACH MAIDEN HAS TO SAY:
“We can’t wait for another home game in front of the Rebels fans. The crowd really helped us over the line last week and we’re looking forward to putting on another great show on Saturday on our way to completing this undefeated season.”
Your presence can make a difference, so join us at Essex Sport Arena and help us Pack the House – Up the Rebs!
Tickets are still available on Eventbrite. Don’t miss out and secure your tickets now!
