Essex Rebels vs Reading Rockets: BCB Trophy Preview
The Rebels are back at the Essex Sports Arena on Saturday 26th September, as they host Reading Rockets in a must-win final group game of the British Championship Basketball Trophy.
Rebels fans will know this familiar match-up well, with this game becoming a formidable rivalry between two ambitious and accomplished sides in recent years.
Reading head into this game with not only the confidence of being British Championship Basketball Champions last season but also the confidence of heading into their final group game with 3 out of 3 wins against Worthing Thunder, Portsmouth Force and London Cavaliers.
Reading head into this game determined for a win to secure first place in the group and qualify for a home advantage in the quarter finals. The Rockets travel to Essex with a comfortable 108-78 win against Worthing Thunder under their belts.
However, the Rockets are not the only side heading into this game after a successful weekend. The Essex Rebels travelled to London Cavaliers and walked away with a 95-74 win, making their group standing sit at 2 out of 3 wins. A noticeable performance came from Tre Baumgardner who not only won Player of the Game but was also named BCB Player of the Week after finishing with 31 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals.
The Rebels will look to take this momentum into Saturday which has become a must-win game to stay in the competition. A win for the Rebels would see the table end in a three-way tie with Reading Rockets and Worthing Thunder. Should this happen, qualification will be decided by point difference, meaning the Rebels must win by 4 or more points to qualify for the quarter finals.
Player to Wach: Jaxon Nap
A player to keep an eye on is Reading’s new signing Jaxon Nap. The 6’7 forward joined the Rockets after four years college experience playing in Division 1 and 2 of the NCAA. Nap has made an outstanding start to the Rockets averaging 19.7 ppg and 10.7 rpg. His formidable record is closely followed by fellow new signing from Derby Trailblazers, Maurice Walker, who has averaged 19.3ppg and 8.3 rpg. Their scoring ability could be crucial in breaking down the Rebels, making the dynamic duo a pair to track down.
Ahead of this weekend’s game, Jordan Ashley said:
Last weekend was a good step in the right direction. We’re starting to play more fluently together and really learning who we are as a team. Now it’s about building on that momentum against Reading. They’re a strong side and have been at the top of the table for the last couple of seasons, so it will be a great test for us, especially with the Championship starting next week.
Rebels’ game against Reading Rockets will tip-off at the Essex Sports Arena. Tickets are still available on Fanbase – Get yours now!
By Millie Winslett
