Rebels continue their strong league form

Essex strengthened their claim for Division 1 Men glory with a resolute 77-63 victory over Newcastle University in a thrilling basketball encounter.

From the opening tip-off, both teams asserted themselves to the match up. Newcastle started to score in transition whilst Essex were finding their feet in the half court. The score after the first was tied up 23 – 23.

The turning point of the game came in the second quarter, where Essex outscored Newcastle 19-9, significantly widening the gap. This strategic surge set the tone for the remainder of the match, as Essex maintained control and held their opponents at arm’s length throughout the contest.

Newcastle University, entering the game with aspirations of entering the title reckoning, faced a daunting challenge as their hopes were dashed by a woeful shooting performance. The visitors could only manage to connect on 2 out of 25 attempts from long range, a statistic that proved decisive in the final outcome. On a different evening, a few successful three-pointers could have altered the narrative, but Essex’s solid defence ensured Newcastle remained off course.

Essex’s offensive prowess was a collective effort, with multiple players stepping up to contribute to their tenth win of the season. Trey Chapman led the scoring charge with 17 points and 6 rebounds, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court. Victor Olarerin provided valuable support with 15 points and 5 rebounds, while Luke Busumbru made a significant impact with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.

The home crowd was treated to a well-rounded performance, witnessing the synergy among Essex’s players as they executed both offensively and defensively. With this commanding win, Essex takes another significant step towards Division 1 Men glory, solidifying their position at the top of the league standings.

The Rebels next take on Worthing Thunder on the road and look to continue their streak.