Game Preview: Essex Rebels vs Manchester Basketball
Saturday 25th April | 16:00 | Essex Sport Arena
The Essex Rebels return to the Essex Sport Arena to take on Manchester Basketball in their final Super League Basketball fixture of the regular season — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
This is a defining game for the Rebels, with league position on the line. A win would guarantee a top four finish and the possibility of a historic third-place finish — the highest in club history — while also securing home-court advantage in the play-offs for the first time since joining the top women’s league.
Having put together three big victories in a row after a difficult period that included losses against the Oaklands Wolves and the Caledonia Gladiators, the Rebels are hitting form at exactly the right time and will be looking to carry that momentum into the post-season.
Revenge will also be on their minds after suffering a 97–88 loss in the reverse fixture earlier this year. Despite strong offensive performances — including 27 and 22 points from Natalie Chou and Quinesha
Lockett respectively — the Rebels were unable to hold off Manchester.
This weekend’s visitors currently sit sixth in the league table, level on points (14) with the London Lions. With three losses in their last four SLB matches, Manchester Basketball will be eager to finish their season on a high.
Player To Watch: Frannie Hottinger
A dynamic and impactful forward, the Rebels will need no introduction to Frannie Hottinger this weekend. In the previous meeting between the two sides, Hottinger delivered an outstanding performance, recording 26 points, five rebounds, and three assists. She was also perfect from the free-throw line (12/12), meaning discipline will be key for the Rebels in limiting her impact.
Across the league season, Hottinger is averaging 17.6 points per game, along with 7.1 rebounds.
With the regular season coming to an end, don’t miss the Rebels’ final home game at the Essex Sport Arena this weekend. Tickets are on sale now — make sure you’re there for what promises to be a high-stakes, high-energy clash.
By Nicholas Melton
