Friday Night Lights: Rebels Ready to Welcome Bristol in Historic SLB Cup Clash
History will be made this Friday night as the Essex Rebels men’s basketball team hosts the Bristol Flyers in the Super League Basketball (SLB) Cup. This match marks the Rebels’ debut in the SLB Cup and their first-ever Friday night game at the Essex Sport Arena. The Rebels, currently competing in NBL Division 1, are one of only a handful of teams invited to join this prestigious competition, providing a glimpse of the club’s aspirations to step up into the professional ranks of the SLB in the near future.
The Rebels enter the game with momentum, having secured a convincing 81-67 victory over Newcastle University in their most recent NBL D1 fixture. Leading the charge was Connor Nelson, who delivered a standout performance with 20 points on his return from injury. Supporting him were Emmanuel Kanwei (16 points, 7 rebounds) and Joe Hart (14 points, 7 assists), both of whom will be crucial in this high-stakes encounter. Also back from injury is team captain Luke Busumbru, whose contributions on both ends of the court add significant value to the Rebels’ lineup.
The Bristol Flyers represent a significant step up in competition. Currently fifth in the SLB Championship standings with a 2-2 record, the Flyers are coming off a massive victory over Cheshire Phoenix advising to the SLB Trophy Final. Jared Sherfield was unstoppable, setting a franchise record with 36 points, while Keddy Johnson delivered a perfect 17-17 from the free-throw line, finishing with 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. These two stars, alongside the Flyers’ depth, will certainly pose a challenge for the Rebels’ defence.
Ahead of game, coach Norfolk added: We are looking forward to hosting Bristol at the Essex Sport Arena. We have been able to find some good form over the last couple of weeks. Having some guys back from injury is massive for us. We have a game plan and hopefully we can execute!”
Adding an emotional twist to the game, former Rebel Ebuka Ekwegh will return to the Essex Sport Arena, this time wearing Bristol Flyers colors. Ekwegh, a key player during his time with the Rebels, will undoubtedly add an extra layer of intrigue to the contest as he faces his former teammates.
With the SLB Cup being a single-elimination tournament, it’s win or go home. For the Rebels, this is an opportunity to prove they can compete with the best in the country, while the Flyers will be eager to avoid an upset. The Rebels’ underdog status and fearless approach make this game a must-watch for basketball fans.
Tip-off is at 7:30 PM—be there to witness history!
PICTURE CREDITS: JOEL TSHIUNZA
