Rebels lose out to the Lions

Essex Rebels took on the high-flying London Lions at the Copper Box Arena based in the Olympic park. 

The Rebels were looking to build on the momentum build from their win last weekend against the Leicester Riders.

Essex started the game slow, with Lions coming out with full-court pressure and high intensity. The rebels couldn’t find a way to get into offence and the lions piled on the pressure. Turnovers in the front court hurt Essex which meant Lions were able to pounce and convert easy baskets over and over again. 

Lions efficient offence combined with the pressure defence continued throughout and Essex needed to tighten up. Rebels were looking for ways to build some momentum but couldn’t find an answer. At the half it was 55-16 to the home side.

The Rebels needed to regroup, find a way to embrace the pressure and enjoy the occasion. The fourth quarter rolled around and Essex turned to a zone defence, where they were able to match the lions offence. A much-improved performance in the final

Quarter allowed Essex to come away with some pride only losing the quarter by 6. The final result was 92-33. 

Essex were led by Tia Freeman with 10 points whilst Sune Swart pitched in 9 points and 9 rebounds.

Rebels coach Ross Norfolk said it was a good learning experience, “We didn’t match their intensity early on and that set the tone for the game. It was good to see the team show fight throughout and to finish with an improved fourth quarter”.

The Rebels now look to bounce back this Saturday where they host the Nottingham Wildcats at the Essex Sport Arena.