Game Preview: Essex Rebels vs Newcastle Knights
This Saturday, 3rd October, the Essex Rebels host last season’s BCB runners-up, Newcastle Knights for the opening fixture of the 2026/27 regular BCB season.
Following last weekend’s tough 88-76 defeat to Reading Rockets, which saw the Rebels narrowly miss out on qualification for the BCB Trophy quarter finals, the Rebels will be eager to bounce back and make a strong start to their league campaign.
Meanwhile, Newcastle will arrive in confident form aiming to build upon the momentum created last weekend when they beat Derby Trailblazers 87-71. This win marked 3 out of 4 wins in the BCB trophy, helping them top their group.
Despite both teams having already played four games, building team chemistry, this weekend marks a new chapter with returning and summer signings looking to make their mark and help their teams reign victorious.
Newcastle had a busy summer of recruitment, bringing in the likes of 6’4 guard AJ McGinnis and 6’4 swingman Luke House as well as securing fan favourite Hafeez Abdul for another season at the club.
Like Newcastle, the Rebels also gained many recruits with the trio of Tre Baumgardner, Aliou Cisse and Ethan Conway already making an immediate impact, currently ranking in the top three in the team for ppg in the BCB Trophy.
Player to Watch: Luke House
A player to keep a close eye on is the Eagles’ new signing Luke House. Having gained experience in both Division I and II in the NCAA in the States, House joined Newcastle this summer and has made an electric start.
The 6’4 swingman tops the team average of ppg with 20 and after an outstanding performance against Yorkshire Dragons, where he dropped 28 points, 3 rebounds and an assist, earnt himself a place in the BCB Team of the Week.
With a formidable scoring ability and impeccable form under his belt, containing House will need to be a key focus for the Rebels.
The Rebels’ game against Newcastle Knights will tip off at 6:30pm at the Essex Sports Arena. Tickets are still available on Fanbase – Get Yours Now!
By Millie Winslett
