The Essex Rebels women’s basketball team returned to action yesterday taking on the Lions in round 1 of the WBBL Trophy competition
Lions would set the tone early lead by their floor general Kennedy Leonard who was able to find her team mates in transition for some easy uncontested baskets as well as connect with Cassie Breen who was able to knock down two of her four threes for the game. The Rebels would respond by going to newcomer Lucrezia Costa who certainly established her presence in the paint early putting the pressure on the Lions defence.
The second quarter saw Rebels Angel Waithe and Andrea Kohlhaas get into foul trouble forcing them to sit. It was during this stretch in the second that the London Lions were able to extend their lead to 17 points at the Half.
The second half wasn’t much different to the first half of basketball with Lions being able to extend their lead to 21 points to close out the third quarter.
The fourth quarter the Rebels were finally able to make some defensive stops and were able to find some scoring Rhythm that allowed them to chip in to the London Lions 21 point lead getting it to within 14 points.
Head coach Tom Sadler said “ I’m disappointed with the result today, I thought we had some easy opportunities early on that would have made it a much closer game that we must be able to capitalise on. I thought defensively Ashleigh Munns in particular did a great job on Breen keeping her to 15 points, and really made her work for those shots. But collectively we must improve on the defensive end and make sure we only limit teams to one shot if we want a chance to win”
The Rebels don’t have much time to dwell on the loss, as they now look to host the Nottingham Wildcats team on Saturday 23rd for their first home game at the University of Essex Sports Arena. While fans are not permitted into the Arena, the game will be streamed live on YouTube so be sure to cheer on your Rebels from home!
Top Performers Essex Rebels:
Lu Costa – 17 points / 12 rebounds
Angel Waithe – 15 points
Carla Bieg – 14 points
Top Performers London Lions
Kennedy Leonard – 18 points / 6 rebounds / 8 assists
Stephanie Umeh – 16 points / 11 rebounds
Cassie Breen – 15 points
