Rebels D1 Men Continue Impressive Form with Road Victory Over Derby
The Essex Rebels D1 Men team secured their second consecutive statement win, defeating the third-placed Derby Trailblazers 77-72 on the road. The victory follows last week’s triumph over league leaders Hemel Storm and extends the Rebels’ impressive recent form.
Daniel Johnson-Thompson led the way with 18 points and 6 rebounds, while Connor Nelson contributed 17 points, including 5 three-pointers. Luke Busumbru once again showcased his playmaking abilities with 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists in a strong all-around performance.
The Rebels outperformed Derby from beyond the arc, shooting 33.3% compared to the hosts’ 17.6%, proving decisive in the five-point victory. The visitors also capitalised on turnovers, scoring 14 points from Derby’s mistakes while limiting their own giveaways.
For Derby, who entered the contest on a five-game winning streak, Mo Walker posted 16 points and a game-high 15 rebounds, while Malcolm Smith added 17 points and 7 rebounds, but their efforts weren’t enough to overcome a determined Rebels side.
With the win, the Rebels improve to 12-8 on the season as they continue their challenging road schedule to conclude the campaign. Next up is a trip to face Nottingham Hoods, who are coming off an impressive weekend with victories over Bradford Dragons and Milton Keynes Breakers.
Weekend Division 2 Update
The Rebels Division 2 men’s team fell 79-69 to Richmond Knights on the road. The result keeps the team second from bottom in the NBL Division 2 table as they continue to search for consistency.
