Rebels Outpaced by Durham’s Strong Fourth Quarter

The Essex Rebels fell to the Durham Palatinates in a hard-fought Super League Basketball clash, with the visitors securing an 83-73 victory after a dominant fourth-quarter performance.

The Rebels began the game with intensity, as Daniella Turner set the tone early, scoring back-to-back baskets and converting an and-one to establish an 8-2 lead. Durham’s #1 Lucas responded strongly, sinking a three-pointer and playing a pivotal role in her team’s comeback to edge ahead 9-8 midway through the first quarter. However, Essex regrouped, with Taylor O’Brien and Maria Blazejewski stepping up to help the Rebels close the quarter leading 19-15.

The second quarter saw the Rebels extend their lead through aggressive play, highlighted by Blazejewski’s three-pointer and Brooke Flowers’ strong presence in the paint. A mid-quarter scoring surge pushed Essex to the first double-digit lead of the game, 30-20, with 3:34 remaining. Yet, Durham clawed back to within three points at halftime, fueled by Lucas, who scored 16 first-half points to keep her side in contention. At the break, Essex held a narrow 37-34 advantage.

Durham began the second half with intent, but the Rebels answered with crucial baskets from O’Brien and Flowers. Essex maintained a slim edge through most of the third quarter, with a strong stretch from Blazejewski keeping the Rebels ahead. However, Durham’s resilience shone through, capped by a buzzer-beating three from #5 Brault, cutting Essex’s lead to just one point at the end of the third quarter, 56-55.

The fourth quarter belonged to Durham, who opened with a 3-pointer from #4 Klassen and a quick scoring burst to take a 63-56 lead. Essex fought tirelessly, with O’Brien and Blazejewski contributing crucial points, but Durham’s efficiency at the free-throw line and Lucas’s commanding play proved decisive. A late three-pointer by Durham’s Fernandez-Pardo stretched the visitors’ lead to seven, sealing the victory.

For Essex, Taylor O’Brien was outstanding, finishing as the team’s leading scorer with 22 points, supported by Blazejewski with 19 points and 14 rebounds from Flowers. However, it was Durham’s Lucas who stole the show, leading all scorers with 23 points and demonstrating composure in critical moments.

Essex head coach Ashley Cookson reflected on the game stating:

“Credit for Durham for exposing our weaknesses and taking advantage of the opportunities we afforded them. We are disappointed with our performance and will continue to work on our processes to be at our best in key moments of the game. We will continue to focus on our process and turn things around against a strong Oaklands roster.”

The Essex Rebels have a bye this weekend and will return to action on 30 October at 4pm to face the Oaklands Wolves. Tickets available on Fanbase.

Picture Credit: Colin Tucker