Game Preview: Rebels Doubleheader – 13 December
This Saturday will see the festive season arrive at the Essex Sport Arena, with a special Christmas double-header! Starting from 2pm, a mini-Christmas market will be open outside the arena, as well as a Toy Drive for the Colchester and Ipswich Hospital Charity.
The action starts with the Rebels Women taking on Sheffield Hatters at 4:00pm in SLB action as they aim to bounce back after narrowly missig on the Trophy final earlier this week. Meanwhile, the Rebels Men’s side will take on the Nottingham Hoods in BCB action at 6:30pm looking to extend their winning streak.
Rebels Women vs B. Braun Sheffield Hatters – 4pm
After a dramatic finish to their trophy run on Monday which saw them miss on the first major final of the season, the Rebels Women will be hoping to get back to winning ways. With both sides level on points in the SLB table after recording three wins and a single loss apiece, fans can expect another competitive bout at the Essex Sport Arena.
Speaking ahead of the game, Head Coach Ashley Cookson said: “We’re looking forward to the challenge Sheffield always brings. They’re physical and make you earn everything, so our focus is on matching that intensity from the start. “
Player to watch: Megan Mullings
Averaging 18 points a game in league action, Mullings will be a threat that the Rebels will have to contain if they want to beat the Hatters on the day. The forward ranks second in the SLB for rebounds per game, averaging 11.5. With 7.5 of those being defensive rebounds, the Hatters’ #8 is dangerous at both ends of the court and will present a real challenge to the Rebels side and someone the team will need to control for the entire 40 minutes in order to secure the win.
Rebels Men vs. Nottingham Hoods – 6:30pm
Fresh from an 85-98 victory on the road against the Hemel Storm last weekend, the Rebels Men will be hoping to build on that momentum against the Nottingham Hoods. Miles Brown was named as the BCB player of the week for his performance against the Storm, with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists, to go along with seven steals.
With the Rebels eighth in the table, they will be looking for a consecutive victory against the tenth-placed Hoods this weekend, as the visitors nurse a losing streak spanning five matches.
When asked about the match-up, Head Coach Joe Hart said: “Looking to continue the momentum of last week’s big win against Hemel. Nottingham is a very talented team that are well coached. Really excited to get back in front of the home fans this weekend.”
Player to watch: Tyrone Williams
With a points average of 19.4 points per game, Tyrone Williams is a player that the Rebels will have to look out for in the paint. The Hoods’ talisman netted 31 points against the Bristol Hurricanes, while drawing seven fouls.
With both games shaping up to be massive fixtures for both Rebels sides, don’t miss out on an evening of intense, competitive basketball and festive fun! Get your tickets here, now!
By Nic Melton
