Tripleheader Game Preview | Rebels D1 Men vs Birmingham Rockets | Rebels WBBL vs Manchester Giants | Rebels D3 Men vs Bedford Thunder
We are excited to welcome fans to the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday 2 March for the last triple header of the season.
ESSEX REBELS D3 MEN vs BEDFORD THUNDER | NBL DIVISION 3 | 1:00PM TIP-OFF
In the opening game of the day, our undefeated D3Men will take on Bradford Thunder, aiming to inch closer to a perfect season. This will be the second match up between the two sides, with the Rebels securing a commanding 109-68 victory back in November. With a 16-0 record, the Rebels are determined to secure two more wins and claim the Division 3 league title, so don’t miss out on seeing our D3 team for the last time at home in the regular season.
WHAT COACH MAIDEN HAS TO SAY
“We are 2 wins away from completing an amazing undefeated season and as always are looking forward to playing in front of our amazing home crowd.”
ESSEX REBELS WOMEN vs MANCHESTER GIANTS | WBBL | 4:00PM TIP-OFF
The day will continue with our women’s team taking on Manchester Giants in the Women’s British Basketball League championship. This will be the third match up between the two teams, with the series currently sitting 2-0 in favour of the Rebels.
As we approach the final stages of the season, each upcoming game carries heightened significance, and this game is no different for the Rebels who currently sit 4th in the league standings with just a game ahead of the Sheffield Hatters. On the other side, there is no question that Manchester will come ready for a fight and looking to end their 6-game losing streak this weekend.
OPPOSITION FOCUS
WHO ARE MANCHESTER GIANTS?
Formally known as Manchester Met Mystics, the visitors have been part of the Women’s British Basketball League since its inception in 2014. In 2023, the club joined forces with the British Basketball League side, Manchester Giants to form a new and exciting franchise. Based at the National Basketball Performance Centre, Belle Vue, Manchester is an established basketball hub with strong youth development program. LAST TIME OUT
The last time these two teams met was in the Trophy semi finals where the Rebels claimed an 80-70 victory. Key player for the Rebels in the win was Kat Tudor who scored 21 points, along with 7 rebounds. For the visitors, Sydney Hunter had an impressive performance wit 23 points and 17 rebounds.
NEW RECRUITS
The team has gone through a complete restructure returning only one player from last year’s roster, the Manchester native Leah McDerment. Returning to Manchester after a short break are other three hometown players – Georgia Anderson (previously known as Jones), Lauren Thomas-Johnson, and Hannah Shaw.
Joining the team this season and making an immediate impact are US Imports Myah Pace, Brooklyn McAlear-Fanus and Sydney Hunter.
FORM
It has been a roller coaster of a season so far for the visitors from Manchester who are currently sitting 9th in the league standings with a 3-9 record. Having lost the last 6 league games, the Giants find themselves on the outskirts of the playoff race and will be determined to mount a late-season surge to secure a spot in the postseason..
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Despite their current form, the Giants have a number of offensive threats who can hurt the Rebels, if allowed. The key players to keep an eye on are team leading scorer, Miah Pace, averaging 13.8 points per game and 8.3 rebounds, Lauren Thomas-Johnson, averaging 11.5 points per game, and Brooklynn McAlear-Fanus, averaging 10.2 points per game. McAlear-Fanus also had a great game during the last match up between the two teams scoring 17 points to go along with 9 rebounds and 6 assists. She will definitely be a player the Rebels need to control in order to secure the victory.
ESSEX REBELS D1 MEN VS CITY OF BIRMINGHAM ROCKETS | NBL DIVISION 1 | 6:30PM TIP-OFF
The final game of the day will see the Essex Rebels D1 Men take on City of Birmingham Rockets at the Essex Sport Arena for the second time this season. The Rebels are eager to continue building on their success, following the convincing victory against the Reading Rockets in their previous game.
Meanwhile, the City of Birmingham Rockets, currently sitting 11th in the league standings with a 6-12 record, are riding high after a thrilling 102-96 overtime win against the Nottingham Hoods. Despite their standing, the Rockets have proven themselves to be difficult match up for any team, persistently challenging their opponents until the final whistle.
Don’t miss out another exciting showdown at the Essex Sport Arena as the Rebels strive to maintain their pursuit of the top spot in the league.
WHAT COACH NORFOLK HAS TO SAY:
“It’s always fun having a triple header at the Essex Sport Arena. Birmingham are a tough team with experienced players in Jackman, Toluwase and Gayle. We have to make sure we assert ourselves from the jump. We know as a team if we lock in on the defensive end and play our fast paced basketball in transition we can cause trouble for most teams in the league.”
OPPOSITION FOCUS
WHO ARE THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM ROCKETS?
Established in 2003, the club was created with the primary aim to provide regular opportunities and a pathway for young players from Birmingham and the surrounding areas to play basketball.
LAST TIME OUT
In the last match up between the two teams, the Rebels won convincingly with a 60-94 victory on the road, led by an outstanding performance by Ebuka Ekwegh who topped all scorers finishing the game with an impressive 35 points.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
The top players to watch for from the visitors are Samuel Tolawase, averaging 18.8 points per game along with 6.9, Orlan Jackman with 16.2 points per game and 10.6 rebounds as well as team captain Martyn Gayle, averaging 13.7 points per game.
Don’t miss out on the last tripleheader of the season and come cheer on your Rebels as they look to dominate the court and continue their winning streak!
Tickets are still available on Eventbrite. Don’t miss out and secure your tickets now!
Up the Rebs!
