Rebels Lose out on the Road to Derby 

Essex Rebels D1 men had a tough game away to Derby Trailblazers in the second game of the regular season. Essex made the game tight going into the fourth, but Derby held on to win 82 – 61. 

The start of the game was slow with both teams trying to find their offensive flow. Derby eventually strung to gather a couple of stops and scores which lead to Essex taking a timeout. Derby’s zone caused some problems early on but the Rebels remained patient and started to hit shots from the outside. Going into half time the score line was a one possession game until a loss of concentration on a couple of possessions allowed Derby to take eek a lead by 13 points. 

The Rebels rallied together and 3 minutes into the third they brought the game within touching distance cutting the derby lead down to 4 points. Again, Derby used their zone defence to hinder the Rebels offence and managed to string together some easy scores. Rebels didn’t give up the fight and continued to fire back but time wasn’t on their hands. The game finished with Derby eeking out the score line to 81 – 62.

Essex were led by Victor Olarerin with 17 points whilst Luke Busumbru pitched in with 12 points. 

Rebels Head Coach Ross Norfolk said

“We were solid for 80% of the game. Some lapses in concentration and crucial times allowed them to generate some scoring runs. We struggled in the half court which will be an area of focus for us over the next week of practice.”

Essex next takes on Barking Abbey on the 21st October in their Spooky Hoops at the Essex Sport Arena.