Rebels Split Doubleheader Weekend with Win Over Bradford and Tough Loss to Breakers
The Essex Rebels secured an important 83-73 victory over the Bradford Dragons in a highly competitive NBL Division 1 Championship game at the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday evening, improving their record to 4-4. The Rebels showcased resilience and determination to overcome multiple momentum swings and claim an important win in front of their home crowd.
The game opened with the Rebels making a strong start, surging to a 4-0 lead within the first two minutes. However, the Dragons quickly countered, momentarily taking the lead before the Rebels regained their footing. Key baskets from Rebels’ Daniel Johnson-Thompson and a three-pointer by Joe Hart helped the home team establish an early advantage. By the end of the first quarter, the Rebels were ahead 21-16, with Manni Kanwei setting the pace with six points.
The second quarter saw the Dragons push back, opening the scoring and capitalizing on a brief scoring drought from the Rebels to take their first lead of the game at 22-21. A timely timeout by the Rebels allowed them to regroup, with Amako tying the game at 24. The contest became a back-and-forth battle, highlighted by a thunderous dunk from Rebels’ Ogiegor that energized the crowd and tied the score at 40 apiece. Despite the Rebels’ efforts, a late foul sent Dragons’ Williams to the free-throw line, where he converted to give the visitors a narrow 42-40 lead at halftime. Kanwei led all scorers with 11 points at the break, while Dragons’ Josephs and Sulcs added 10 each for Bradford.
The Rebels came out firing in the third quarter, with DJ Wol hitting a three-pointer to reclaim the lead. The Dragons responded with a number of long-range shots, briefly taking control of the game. Yet, the Rebels remained composed, with Kanwei and Wol leading the Rebels’ offense. In a pivotal moment, Amako sank a three-pointer just before the buzzer, putting the Rebels up 64-62 heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Rebels turned up the intensity. Amako opened with a crucial three-pointer, and the team built a slim but steady lead. Defensive stops and timely scoring from Daniel Johnson-Thompson extended the advantage, with a dunk by Wol putting the Rebels firmly in control at 81-71 with under two minutes remaining. Despite a late timeout and a valiant effort by the Dragons, the Rebels closed the game confidently, securing the 83-73 victory.
After the game, Rebels head coach Ross Norfolk praised the team’s resilience and focus:
“Really happy with our execution throughout the game. We identified their main threats and had a game plan to nullify them. It was tight going into the final few minutes but we locked in defensively and went on a 8-0 to finish the game. The group are starting to build good cohesion and our offensively output is getting better.”
Kanwei led the Rebels with a standout performance, tallying 21 points and 7 rebounds, while Amako (15) and Johnson-Thompson (14) were also crucial to secure the win. The victory marks an important step for the Rebels as they continue their campaign in the NBL Division 1 Championship.
Rebels are back in action on 13 December in a historic Super League Basketball Cup game vs Brystol Flyers at the Essex Sport Arena. The game will see the Rebels play in the top flight league for the first time looking to upset the visitors from Bristol.
1 December: Essex Rebels vs Milton Keynes Breakers
Essex Rebels Fall Short Against Milton Keynes Breakers in NBL National Cup
The Essex Rebels faced a challenging matchup in the NBL National Cup against the Milton Keynes Breakers, suffering a 54-91 defeat on their home court at the Essex Sport Arena. Despite valiant efforts, a short-handed roster and a demanding schedule left the Rebels unable to keep pace with the Breakers’ top form.
DJ Wol got the scoring started with an opening three-pointer. However, the Breakers quickly seized control, establishing a 7-11 lead within the first four minutes. The Rebels battled back with a three from Daniel Thompson-Johnson, but the Breakers’ transition game and sharp shooting pushed the Rebels into an early 16-32 deficit by the end of the first quarter. Amako led the Rebels in the period with 5 points, while the Breakers’ Walker dominated with 10.
The second quarter followed a similar script as the Breakers extended their lead to 16-37 early. Rebels coach Norfolk called a crucial timeout to regroup his team, and the team responded with a burst of energy. Consecutive baskets from Amako and a three-point play trimmed the deficit to 37-47 at halftime. Kanwei, Amako, and Hudson each contributed 8 points in the first half, while Kanwei also pulled down six rebounds. For the Breakers, Robinson and Walker led with 10 points apiece.
Entering the second half, the Breakers came out firing, maintaining a commanding lead with consistent perimeter shooting and solid defence. A few bright moments from the Rebels, including scores from Amako and Ashley, were overshadowed by unsportsmanlike fouls and disruptions that elongated the third quarter. The Breakers capitalized, closing the quarter with a 46-74 advantage.
The final quarter saw the Rebels continuing to battle, but a combination of fouls and interruptions prevented them from finding any sustained rhythm. The game ended with the Breakers securing a decisive 91-54 victory.
Coach Norfolk said:
“Tough turnaround with the double header. We picked up a couple of knocks in the last game which meant we had a shorter rotation. We showed great fight going into the half as MK took a big lead, but we battled to claw it back within 10. Going into the second half we lost some offensive rhythm which allowed them to get out in transition for easy scores.”
Amako led the Rebels with 18 points, supported by Ashley with 12. The Breakers showcased their depth, with Robinson scoring 17, Walker adding 14, and both Johnson and Scarborough contributing 13.
The Rebels, already battling injuries to key players Luke Busumbru, Connor Nelson, Kyron Martin and Joe Hart, showed determination despite the setbacks of a double-header weekend and a depleted roster. They will look to regroup and rebound in their upcoming league fixtures.
The Essex Rebels return to action next weekend in league play traveling to Newcastle, aiming to climb the standings and continue building on their resilience.
Picture credit: Joel Tshiunza
