Rebels defeat Wildcats in first SLB game of 2026

The Essex Rebels sealed a victory in their first piece of Super League Basketball action of the New Year, after defeating the Nottingham Wildcats 96-78 at the Essex Sport Arena.  

A lively opening quarter saw the Wildcats catch the Rebels by surprise as the visitors went ahead 2-9 early on – with a looping three pointer from Emma Nolan the highlight of the visitors’ opening ten minutes.  

It was Paige Meyer who got the first points on the board for the Rebels in 2026, as the guard completed a lay-up after waltzing through the Wildcats defence. 

Eight points and a defensive rebound from Rhema Ogele helped the Rebels gain control of both sides of the court following an end-to-end start. 

The home side survived the early onslaught from the visitors, with the scoreline reading 21-19 at the end of the first quarter.  

Despite the Rebels’ comeback in the opening ten minutes, the tempo and intensity didn’t let up in the second quarter.  

The home side also continued their relentless habit of scoring buckets, especially from range. Olivia Forster, Amba Thompson, Natalie Chou and Maria Blazejewski all sunk three-pointers, highlighting the versatility and depth of the Rebels offence. 

As the opening half drew to a close, the scoreboard read 51-39, with the Rebels firmly in the driving seat.  

A clinical third quarter saw the home side begin to pull away from the opposition, with the score reading 76-58 going into the final ten minutes.  

Rhema Ogele continued her impressive display at both ends of the court, while Quinesha Lockett helped to produce the firepower with 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists on the board before the final quarter. 

The Rebels held their nerve with a professional display in the final quarter, with the visitors unable to overcome the points deficit.  

Olivia Forster impressed in the final quarter with three three-pointers and a lay-up to go, cementing the win for the home side.  

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