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GAME PREVIEW | D1 Rebels Men vs Reading Rockets

February 21, 2024

This Saturday, the Essex Rebels D1 men take on Reading Rockets in a rematch of the National Cup Semi-Final. Don’t miss out as your Rebels seek revenge against the Rockets in a much-anticipated showdown.

ESSEX REBELS D1 MEN VS READING ROCKETS | NBL DIVISION 1 | 6:30PM TIP-OFF

The Essex Rebels will take on Reading Rockets this Saturday at the Essex Sport Arena for the third time this season in what promises to be a thrilling showdown. This will mark the third match up between the two sides, with the games currently tied at one game apiece.

The Rebels enter the game with confidence having won convincingly their last three games. However, there is no question the Rebels will come into the game seeking revenge having lost in a tense battle in the National Cup Semi Final late January.

WHAT COACH NORFOLK HAS TO SAY:

“We are excited to play in front of our home crowd this weekend. Reading are a tough match-up and we have to be ready to play defence for 40minutes. We must lock into the details of our scout and ensure we keep playing our fast paced basketball!””

OPPOSITION FOCUS

WHO ARE READING ROCKETS?

The Reading Rockets is a semi-professional basketball club established in 1997 with two primary goals, to give children the opportunity to play basketball and to have positive impact through sport on Reading and the surrounding area.

FORM

Currently sitting 4th in the league standings with an 11-5 record, the Reading Rockets find themselves in good form entering the weekend. Having won 2 out of their last 3 games, no doubt the Rockets will be eager to build on their success this this pivotal match up.

LAST TIME OUT

Although the Rebels claimed the victory in their first match up with a 96-104 win early November, the last time the two sides met, the Rebels suffered a heartbreaking 93-88 loss to Reading in the National Cup semifinal behind a strong performance from Jermiah Jenkins who finished the game with 32 points shooting 8-10 from behind the arch.

PLAYER TO WATCH

The key players to keep an eye on are the team leading scorer, Mitch Clarke, team captain, Lewis Champion, and sharp-shooter Jermiah Jenkins. Averaging 16.9 points per game and 4.7 assists, Clarke is an offensive force for the visitors. With wealth of experience, Lewis Champion is another offensive thread for visitors averaging 11.7 points per game. Another player to watch for is Jermiah Jenkins who was instrumental to the Rockets’ success against the Rebels in the National Cup semifinal and someone the Rebels need to control in order to secure the win on Saturday.

As the tension mounts and the stakes continue to rise, all eyes will be on the court as the two sides battle once again in what promises to be thrilling showdown that will have you on the edge of your seats until the final buzzer sounds.

Don’t miss out the action and come support your Essex Rebels as they seek revenge against the Rockets!

Tickets are still available on Eventbrite. Don’t miss out and secure your tickets now!

Essex Rebels Team Huddle
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Don’t miss our next big game

Come and see fast-paced, action-packed, top-level professional basketball in a first-class venue. Match days offer family-friendly entertainment including a DJ, big screen, cheerleaders, interactive competitions, children’s activities, refreshments, and our larger-than-life mascot, Queen B.

We Are Rebels – come join the rebellion!

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