Rebels get spooked by the Hoods

Essex Rebels Division 1 men took on the Nottingham Hoods in their 4 league game of the season. The Essex Sport Arena was packed out for the Spooky Hoops Halloween special providing an atmosphere for the home side. 

The match up started evenly with both teams working out each other’s defensive strategies. Nottingham faced Essex into a timeout half way through the 1st after going on a 7 – 0. The timeout allowed Essex to regroup and talk over their offence. 

The 1st quarter finished even with the Hoods up only 3. 

Again a slow start by both teams in the 2nd saw some easy lay ups and open shots missed. The cagey affair saw the Rebels going into half time down by 5. 

After the break, the Rebels seemed to have found a spark and started to set up their defensive efforts and make shots against the Hoods zone. Essex won the quarter 18 – 16 and went into the final stanza only down by 3. 

Nottingham were relentless with their zone, causing Essex to shoot from the outside and getting transition baskets.  The Rebels couldn’t get into their offensive flow in the fourth and the hoods began to eke out a lead. Essex lost their confidence going into the final minutes and the Hoods continued to press on. 

The game finished 63 – 78 to Nottingham.

Essex were led by American guard Owen Chose with 16 points & 7 rebounds. 

“Our outside shooting wasn’t there today. Playing against the zone we needed to be more efficient from the perimeter and I think we tightened up in the fourth. We get back into the gym this week and look ahead to Worthing next weekend”.

Next week Essex travel to league leaders Worthing Thunder.