Rebels D1 Men Continue Impressive Form with Road Victory Over Derby - Essex Rebels
joe hart running back on defense
joe hart running back on defense

Rebels D1 Men Continue Impressive Form with Road Victory Over Derby

March 18, 2025

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.

Essex Rebels Team Huddle
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