Rebels Defuse the Rockets
The Essex Rebels triumphed over the Birmingham Rockets with a 79-77 win in double overtime. The dramatic contest had fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
The game was a fiercely competitive, back-and-forth encounter, with both teams trading momentum. The Rebels faced a significant challenge, trailing by 7 points heading into the fourth quarter. However, their relentless effort and determination allowed them to claw back into the game, setting the stage for a heart-stopping finish.
Emmanuel Kanwei was the standout performer for the Rebels, putting on a commanding display with a huge double-double of 18 points and a remarkable 22 rebounds. His tenacity on the boards and timely scoring played a crucial role in keeping the Rebels in contention and ultimately securing the win.
It took the Rebels a while to get going, but their solid defence and offensive tactics had them poised until the final moment to ensure the game went to extra periods.
The first overtime period saw both teams struggling to pull away, as defensive pressure and fatigue began to take their toll. However, it was the second overtime where the Rebels finally managed to edge out their opponents, with key free throws and clutch plays sealing their hard-earned victory.
Essex Rebels showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Coach Ross Norfolk was pleased with the team’s performance “Birmingham is a tough road trip. We struggled to find some offensive rhythm early on but our defence gave us the opportunity to stay in the game. Emmanuel was huge for us down the stretch and some cool heads at the free throw line allowed us to come away with the win.”
The Rebels D1 Men’s next game is at Home against Worthing Thunder at the Essex Sport Arena, 6:30pm tip-off on the 9th November. Secure your tickets.
Final Score: Essex Rebels 79, Birmingham Rockets 77 (Double Overtime).
