Rebels Hold Off Late Surge by Thames Valley to Secure Win

Essex Rebels Division 1 Men took on the Thames Valley Cavaliers in their NBL1 match up. The last time the teams met Essex came through victorious.

Away from home, the Rebels started the better of the two teams. Essex were able to get stops on the defensive end and score on the break taking a strong lead. However the Cavaliers didn’t back down and rallied together in the second to claw back the game with touching distance. Rebels went into half time up by 3 points.

The second half saw both teams have a slow and tentative start. Shots from the outside dried up meaning long spells without scores. Rebels found a way to go inside to Chapman for some scores around this rim. Rebels found themselves up 8 going into the final quarter. 

Rebels have found themselves in similar positions this season being up going into the fourth so they had good experience with closing out games. TVC were able to create some runs but Rebels hit back with their pace in transition. Despite a late surge by the cavaliers, Essex were able to finish the game winning by 5, 80 – 75.

Victor Olarerin for the Rebels hit some clutch shots late on. He pitched in 27 points whilst Trey Chapman contributed with 20 points.

Essex now look forward to being back at home next weekend as they take on Reading Rockets at the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday, 24 February, at 6.30pm.